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COLUMBUS. 


THE  LIFE 

or 

CHRISTOPHER    COLUMBUS, 


ILLUSTRATED  BY 
TALES,  SKETCHES,  AND  ANECDOTES. 

ADAPTED  TO  THE  USE  OF  SCHOOLS. 


WITH  ENGRAVINGS. 


PHILADELPHIA: 
CHARLES    DESILVER, 

251  Maeket  Street. 
18  5  7. 


Entered  according  to  act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1«36,  t>j 

S.    G.    GOODRICH, 
Ea  the  Clerk's  Office  oi  the  District  Court  of  Massachusetts. 


PREFACE. 


There  is  no  kind  of  reading  more  attractive  than  biogra- 
phy, and,  if  properly  treated,  there  is  none  more  instructive. 
It  appears,  therefore,  to  he  peculiarly  fitted  to  the  purposes 
of  education ;  it  readily  excites  the  curiosity  and  wakens 
the  interest  of  the  pupil,  and,  while  it  stores  his  mind  with 
facts,  dates  and  events,  displays  to  his  view  the  workings 
of  the  human  heart,  and  makes  him  better  acquainted  with 
himself  and  mankind. 

In  the  selection  of  subjects  for  a  biographical  series  of 
works  for  youth,  the  editor  has  been  led,  by  two  consid- 
erations,  to  prefer  those  which  belong  to  our  own  country 
In  the  first  place,  it  is  more  particularly  necessary,  that  oui 
youth  should  be  made  acquainted  with  the  lives  of  thosa 
men  who  were  associated  with  the  history  of  their  native 
land;  and,  in  the  second  place,  no  country  caa  afford  hap- 
pier subjects  for  biography  than  this.  There  are  few  such 
lives  as  those  of  Columbus,  Washington,  and  Franklin,  in 
the  annals  of  any  nation. 


vi  PREFACE. 

In  the  preparation  of  the  work,  the  author  has  sought  to 
adapt  it  to  youth,  by  the  use  of  a  simple  style,  and  by  the 
introduction  of  many  illustrative  tales,  sketches,  anecdotes 
and  adventures.  Questions  for  examining  the  pupils  are 
printed  in  the  pages,  which  may  be  used,  or  not,  at  the 
choice  of  the  Teacher. 

The  Life  of  Washington,  and  the  Life  of  Franklin,  on  a 
plan  similar  to  this,  are  nearly  completed,  and  other  vol- 
umes containing  the  lives  of  celebrated  Indian  Chiefs,  cele- 
brated American  Statesmen,  &c,  will  be  published  hereafter, 
if  those  already  in  progress  should  meet  with  success. 


CONTENTS 


CHAPTER  I. 

Birth  of  Columbus.  Education.  Leaves  the  University 
of  Padua.  Battle  with  the  Venetian  Galleys.  First 
Visit  to  Lisbon.  Marriage.  New  Route  to  India 
suggested  by  Henry  of  Portugal.  Columbus  con- 
cludes that  the  most  direct  Route  was  by  sailing- 
West.     Reasons  for  that  Conclusion 11 

CHAPTER  II. 

Columbus  forms  Plans  of  Discovery.  Applies  to  the 
King  of  Portugal.  Is  deceived  by  him.  Leaves 
Lisbon  for  Genoa.  First  Arrival  at  Palos.  Goes 
thence  to  Cordova,  where  the  Court  at  that  Time 
resided.  He  is  entertained  by  the  King's  Auditor. 
Council  of  Salamanca.  Return  to  Palos.  The 
Sovereigns  eventually  accept  his  Propositions. 
Equipment  of  three  Caravels 22 

CHAPTER  III. 
Sailing  of  Cohimbus.  The  Pinta  breaks  her  Rudder. 
They  reach  the  Canary  Islands.  Continue  their 
Voyage.  Signs  of  Land.  The  Men  become  mu- 
tinous. Discover  a  beautiful  Island.  Call  it  San 
Salvador.  Description  of  the  Natives.  Find  a  great 
many  Islands.  Overtake  an  Indian  in  his  Canoe. 
Fernandina.     Isabella.     Sail  for  Cuba 37 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  IV. 
Cuba.  Village  of  Rio  de  Mares.  Cape  of  Palms.  Co- 
lumbus sends  Ambassadors  to  seek  tbe  King.  Their 
Return,  and  Account  of  their  Adventures.  To 
bacco.  Reception  at  Hispaniola.  Visit  from  a 
young  Cacique.     Shipwreck 53 

CHAPTER  V. 

Visit  from  the  King.  Visit  to  the  Shore.  Columbus 
selects  a  Site  for  a  Fortress.  Dines  with  the  King 
Sails  from  La  Navidad.  Monte  Christi.  Rejoined 
by  the  Pinta.  Skirmish  with  the  Indians.  Sail  for 
Spain.  Tempest.  Reach  St.  Mary.  Singular  Ad 
venture.  Violent  Storm.  Visit  to  the  King  of  Por- 
tugal.    Arrival  at  Palos 63 

CHAPTER  VI. 

Joy  at  Palos.  Arrival  of  Pinzon,  and  his  Death. 
Entry  of  Columbus  into  Barcelona.  Reception  by 
the  Sovereigns.  Anecdote.  Departure  on  the 
second  Voyage.  Dominica.  St.  Mary  of  Guada- 
loupe.  Adventure  of  Diego  Marque.  Skirmish 
with  the  Islanders 79 

CHAPTER  VII. 

Arrival  at  La  Navidad.  Destruction  of  the  Fortress. 
Visit  to  Guacanagari.  Escape  of  the  Indian  Wo- 
men. Erection  of  Isabella.  Exploring  Parties. 
Part  of  the  Ships  return  to  Spain.  Mutiny.  Ex- 
pedition to  Cibao.  Building  of  St.  Thomas.  Expe- 
dition to  the  Interior.  Theft  of  the  Natives.  Co- 
lumbus proceeds  upon  his  Discoveries 92 

CHAPTER  VIII. 
Fishermen    at    Puerto     Grande.      Queen's     Garden. 
Singular  Manner  of  taking  Fish.     Adventure  in  the 


CONTENTS.  9 

Woods.  Columbus  pursues  his  Voyage.  Is  con- 
vinced that  Cuba  is  the  Extremity  of  the  Asiatic 
Continent.  Evangelista.  Harbor  on  the  Coast  of 
Cuba.  Interview  with  an  old  Man.  Jamaica.  Visit 
of  a  Cacique.  Columbus  seized  with  Sickness. 
Return  to  Isabella 106 

CHAPTER  IX. 

Columbus  meets  with  his  Brother  Bartholomew.  Ac- 
count of  his  Adventures.  Affairs  at  the  Island 
during  the  Admiral's  Absence.  Bold  Exploit  of 
Ojeda.  Captivity  of  Caonabo.  Arrival  of  four  Ships 
from  Spain.  Battle  with  the  Indians.  Imposition 
cf  Tribute 117 

CHAPTER  X. 
Arrival  of  Juan  Aguado.  Interview  with  Columbus. 
Violent  Storm.  Discovery  of  Mines.  Return  to 
Spain.  Reception  of  Columbus  at  Court.  Equip- 
ment of  Vessels.  Delays.  Departure  on  the  third 
Voyage.  Discovery  of  La  Trinidad.  Adventure 
with  the  Natives „ 123 

CHAPTER  XI. 

Trinidad.  Swell  of  Waters  in  the  Gulf.  Traffic  with 
the  Indians.  The  Gardens.  Pearls.  The  Strait  of 
the  Dragon's  Mouth.  Indians  fishing  for  Pearls. 
Return  to  Hispaniola.  Affairs  during  his  Absence. 
Adventure  of  Miguel  Diaz.  Settlement  of  St.  Do- 
mingo.    March  against  Behechio 139 

CHAPTER  XII. 

Approach  to  Xaragua.    Feast.    Mock-fight.    Exaction 

of  Tribute.     Insurrection.      Capture  of  Guarionex. 

Payment  of  Tribute  by  Behechio.     His  Visit  to  the 

Caravel.      Conspiracy  of  Roldan  and  the  Indians. 

wo  Caciques  taken  Prisoners 150 


JO  CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

Arrival  of  Columbus.  Three  Ships  of  the  Admiral's 
Fleet.  Affairs  with  the  Rebels  finally  adjusted. 
Ojeda  touches  at  the  Island.  Roldan  sent  in  Pur- 
suit. Account  of  Difficulties  in  Spain.  Arrival  of 
Bovadilla.     Columbus  sent  to  Spain  in  Fetters 1(30 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

Arrival  at  Cadiz.  Visit  to  the  Sovereigns.  Departure 
on  the  fourth  Voyage.  Arrival  at  St.  Domingo. 
Violent  Storm.  Discover  the  Island  of  Guanaia. 
The  Wild-cat.  Arrival  at  Veragua.  Capture  of 
Quibio  and  his  Escape.  Boat's  Crew  slain  by  the 
Indians.     Boldness  of  Pedro  Ledesma 169 

CHAPTER  XV. 

Great  Storm.  The  Vessels  are  run  ashore  at  Jamaica. 
Two  Canoes  sail  for  Hispaniola.  Mutiny.  Pre- 
diction of  an  Eclipse.  Caravel  arrives.  Mutiny  is 
quelled.  Mendez  arrives  with  a  Ship.  Sail  for  St. 
Domingo.    Return  to  Spain.    Death  of  Columbus...   179 


LIFE    OF    COLUMBUS. 


CHAPTER  I. 


Birth  of  Columbus.  Education.  Leaves  the  University 
of  Padua.  Battle  with  the  Venetian  Galleys.  First 
Visit  to  Lisbon.  Marriage.  New  Route  to  India  sug- 
gested by  Henry  of  Portugal.  Columbus  concludes 
that  the  most  direct  Route  ivas  by  sailing  West.  Rea- 
sons for  that  Conclusion. 

1.  Christopher  Columbus  was  born  at  Genoa 
about  the  year  1436.  He  was  the  eldest  son  of  a 
poor  wool-carder,  and  in  his  early  years  may  him- 
self, with  his  brothers,  have  worked  at  the  trade  of 
his  father.  His  son  Ferdinand,  who  wrote  an  ac- 
count of  his  life,  was  quite  angry  with  an  author 
for  having  said  that  he  followed  in  childhood  a 
mechanical  employment.  This  discovers  a  very 
false  pride,  and  is  quite  different  from  the  good 


1.  When  and  where  was  Christopher  Columbus  born?     What 
of  his  father  ?     His  brothers  ? 


12  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

sense  he  shows  in  some  other  observations  as  to  the 
parentage  of  his  father.  In  speaking  of  the  dis- 
putes about  the  rank  of  his  family,  he  passes  them 
by,  with  the  remark,  that  their  nobility  can  add 
less  lustre  to  him  than  the  honor  he  receives  from 
such  a  father. 

2.  His  means  of  education  must  of  course  have 
been  very  limited.  We  know  that  at  an  early  age  he 
had  made  some  progress  in  the  study  of  mathematics 
and  the  Latin  language.  He  was  very  fond  of 
reading  at  this  time  all  the  writers  upon  geography, 
and  directed  his  attention  entirely  to  those  branches 
of  learning,  which  would  be  of  service  to  him  in  the 
pursuits  to  which  he  had  already  determined  to  de- 
vote his  life.  He  spent  a  short  time  at  the  college 
in  Pavia,  where  he  acquired  a  knowledge  of  those 
sciences  most  necessary  to  seamen,  and  particular- 
ly useful  at  a  time  when  so  little  progress  had  been 
made  in  the  arts  of  navigation. 

3.  These  sciences  were  astronomy,  which  teaches 
the  measures  and  motions  of  the  heavenly  bodies ; 
geometry,  which  treats  of  lines,  surfaces  and  solids ; 
and  cosmography,  which  is  the  science  of  describ- 
ing the  several  parts  of  the  visible  world,  according 
to  their  number  and  position.  This  learning  would 
assist  him  very  much  in  after  life,  in  directing  the 

2.  What  of  his  education  ?  What  were  his  principal  studies  ? 
At  what  college  did  he  study  the  sciences  1  3.  What  does  as- 
tronomy teach  ?  Geometry  ?  Cosmography  ?  Of  what  advan- 
tage would  a  knowledge  of  these  sciences  be  to  Columbus  1 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  13 

courses  of  his  vessels;  for  in  ancient  times  they  de- 
pended almost  entirely  on  the  stars  for  a  knowledge 
of  their  track.  It  would  also  assist  him  in  drawing 
maps,  and  in  describing  the  different  lands  he 
might  meet  with  in  his  voyages. 

4.  Columbus  left  the  university  of  Pavia  when  he 
was  about  fourteen  years  of  age.  Of  the  events 
which  immediately  ensued  we  have  no  accurate 
knowledge.  It  is  most  probable,  from  all  accounts, 
that  he  began  at  once  to  put  in  practice  the  infor- 
mation he  had  been  acquiring  with  so  much  indus- 
try. In  the  hazardous  voyages  of  the  Mediterra- 
nean, in  the  humble  obscurity  of  a  poor  sailor-boy, 
his  mind  was  nerved  and  matured  for  the  high  en- 
terprises which  were  to  ennoble  his  later  days. 
A.nd  it  is  possible  that,  even  here,  he  may  have  first 
been  favored  with  glimpses  of  the  glory  which  he 
seemed  always  conscious  was  at  some  period  to 
burst  upon  him. 

5.  The  circumstances  which  occasioned  the  first 
visit  of  Columbus  to  Portugal  were  very  singular, 
and  are  told  at  considerable  length  in  the  memoir 
by  his  son.  There  was  a  famous  man  of  his  family 
called  Colon,  very  celebrated  for  his  sea-fights  and 
victories  over  the  Venetians  and  Mahometans.  He 
appears  to  have  been  a  sort  of  a  pirate,  making  war 
against  all  infidel  nations,  or  perhaps  robbing  all 

4.  What  is  probable  concerning- Columbus  after  leaving  the  col- 
lege of  Pavia  1  5.  What  occasioned  his  first  visit  to  Portugal  ? 
What  of  Colon? 


J  t  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

ships  excepting  those  which  belonged  to  Genoa. 
Columbus  commanded  one  of  the  vessels  of  his 
fleet. 

6.  It  happened  that  while  Columbus  sailed  with 
this  formidable  rover,  whose  name  was  so  terrible, 
that  the  Moorish  children  were  frightened  at  the 
very  sound  of  it,  news  was  brought  that  four  large 
Venetian  galleys  were  returning  richly  laden  from 
Flanders.  The  fleet  of  Colon  went  in  search  of 
them,  and  they  met  about  Cape  St.  Vincent,  be- 
yond Lisbon.  A  furious  battle  ensued.  They 
beat  one  another  from  vessel  to  vessel,  using  not 
only  their  ordinary  weapons,  but  missiles  of  fire, 
They  fought  from  morning  till  evening,  and  great 
numbers  were  killed  upon  both  sides.  The  ship 
which  Columbus  commanded  was  fast  grappled 
with  a  huge  Venetian  galley.  They  both  took  fire. 
It  was  impossible  to  disengage  them,  and  the  alarm 
and  confusion  on  board  made  all  attempts  at  pre- 
venting the  spread  of  the  flames  useless.  The  crews 
of  both  vessels  were  obliged  to  leap  into  the  sea. 

7.  Columbus  was  an  excellent  swimmer,  and, 
finding  himself  a  little  more  than  two  leagues  from 
land,  seized  an  oar  within  his  reach,  and,  alternate- 
ly swimming  and  resting,  was  enabled  to  attain  the 
shore.  He  was  so  tired  with  his  exertions,  however, 
that  it  was  with  much  difficulty  he  recovered  his 
strength. 

6.  What  of  his  fleet  ?  Describe  the  engagement.  What  he- 
came  of  the  crews  ?     7.  What  did  Columbus  do  ? 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS 


15 


Columbus  saving  himself  by  swimming 


16  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

8.  He  immediately  went  to  Lisbon,  where  many 
of  his  Genoese  countrymen  were  at  that  time  liv- 
ing. This  was  about  the  year  1470.  At  this 
period  he  was  in  the  vigor  of  his  manhood,  and,  as 
his  son  tells  us,  was  of  an  engaging  presence.  He 
was  well  shaped,  and  somewhat  above  the  common 
height :  of  a  long  face,  with  rather  full  cheeks,  and 
an  aquiline  nose.  His  complexion  was  of  a  mixed 
white  and  red.  In  youth  his  hair  was  light,  but 
when  he  came  to  thirty  years  of  age,  it  was  quite 
gray.  He  was  temperate  in  his  habits,  and  plain  in 
dress.  He  was  attentive  throughout  his  life  to  the 
duties  of  religion,  and  rigorously  observant  of  all  the 
ceremonies  of  the  Catholic  church. 

9.  While  at  Lisbon,  Columbus  was  in  the  habit 
of  attending  mass  in  the  monastery  of  All  Saints. 
He  here  became  acquainted  with  Dona  Felipa 
Moniz  de  Palestrello,  the  daughter  of  an  Italian 
who  had  been  on  several  voyages  of  discovery  un- 
der Prince  Henry  of  Portugal.  This  acquaintance 
ended  in  marriage.  The  father  of  the  wife  being- 
dead,  the  newly  married  couple  went  to  live  with 
the  mother.  From  her  Columbus  obtained  the 
"journals  and  charts  which  had  been  drawn  up  by 
Palestrello,  on  his  various  voyages,  and  frequent 
narrations  of  interesting  incidents  that  occurred  in 
them. 

8.  In  what  year  did  he  go  to  Lisbon  ?  Describe  his  personal 
aopearance.  What  was  his  religious  faith?  9.  Who  did  Colum- 
!>us  marry  ?     What  did  he  obtain  from  the  naother  of  his  wife  1 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  J  7 

10.  He  made  many  inquiries  about  the  voyages 
by  the  Portuguese  along  the  coast  of  Guinea,  and 
delighted  to  converse  with  the  sailors  who  had  been 
there.  He  began  to  reflect,  that  if  they  voyaged  so 
far  south,  they  might  be  able  to  sail  westward, 
and  find  land  in  that  direction.  With  this  idea, 
he  reviewed  the  writers  upon  cosmography  which 
he  had  before  read,  and  observed  whatever  there 
might  be  in  astronomy  to  support  his  supposi- 
tions. He  took  notice  of  every  thing  that  he  could 
gather  from  sailors,  and  other  persons,  that  could 
be  of  any  service  to  him.  From  all  this,  he  con- 
cluded that  there  were  lands  west  of  the  Canary 
Isles,  and  Cape  Verde,  and  that  it  was  possible  to 
sail  to  and  discover  them. 

11.  Having  become  naturalized  in  Portugal  by 
marriage  and  residence,  he  used  sometimes  to  sail 
in  the  expeditions  to  the  coast  of  Guinea.  We 
are  told  that  while  at  home,  he  supported  his  family 
by  drawing  maps  and  charts.  It  is  a  beautiful  in- 
stance of  the  kindness  and  affection  of  his  disposi- 
tion, that,  though  at  this  time  his  own  means  were 
very  scanty,  he  appropriated  a  part  of  them  to  the 
support  of  his  aged  father,  and  the  education  of  his 
younger  brothers. 

12.  The  passage  from  Portugal  to  India,  by  sail- 

10.  What  did  Columbus  then  do  ?  To  what  conclusion  did  he 
arrive?  11.  In  what  expeditions  did  he  sail?  In  what  manner 
did  he  evince  the  kindness  of  his  disposition  ]  12.  What  was 
first  suggested  by  Prince  Henry  of  Portugal  ? 


18  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

ing  round  Africa,  was  first  suggested  by  Prince 
Henry  of  Portugal.  To  aid  and  advance  naval 
science,  Henry  established  a  naval  college,  and 
erected  an  observatory  at  Sagres,  whither  he  invited 
all  the  most  eminent  nautical  men,  and  most  skilful 
makers  of  charts  of  the  time.  Great  improvement 
was  introduced  in  the  maps ;  and  the  compass  was 
brought  into  more  general  use.  Under  these  ad- 
vantages, the  Portuguese  seamen  distinguished  them- 
selves by  their  hardihood  and  enterprise.  They 
discovered  lands  three  hundred  leagues  distant  from 
the  continent,  and  secured  possession  of  them  by 
the  protection  of  the  pope.  Henry  died  before 
the  object  of  his  hopes  had  been  attained ;  but  he 
lived  long  enough  to  see  his  native  country  raised 
by  his  efforts  to  a  higher  prosperity  then  she  had 
ever  before  reached.  The  fame  of  her  discoveries 
drew  learned  and  adventurous  strangers  from  all 
quarters  to  Lisbon.  Among  these  men,  as  has  be- 
fore been  stated,  accident  threw  Columbus. 

13.  The  danger  and  length  of  this  passage  to 
India,  supposing  it  to  be  really  accomplished,  set 
Columbus  to  think  whether  a  more  direct  course 
could  not  be  discovered.  After  long  reflection, 
aided  by  the  charts  and  discoveries  of  his  father-in- 
law,  and  his  own  voyages,  he  became  convinced 
that,  by  sailing  across  the  Atlantic  towards  the  west, 

What  did  he  establish  ?  What  of  the  Portuguese  seamen  ? 
What  did  Prince  Henry  live  to  see  ?  13.  Of  What  did  ColuniDiss 
at  length  become  convinced  1 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  10 

new  countries,  probably  forming  a  part  of  India, 
must  be  discovered. 

14.  His  reasons  for  this  conclusion  were  various 
He  had  acquired  a  knowledge  of  the  true  figure  of 
the  earth.  He  thought  it  more  suitable  to  our 
ideas  of  the  wisdom  and  beneficence  of  our  Crea- 
tor, to  believe  that  the  vast  unexplored  space  to- 
wards the  west  was  not  covered  by  a  barren  ocean, 
but  that  it  was  occupied  by  countries  fit  for  the 
dwelling-places  of  men.  It  seemed  probable  also, 
that  the  continent,  on  the  side  of  the  globe  in  which 
he  lived,  was  balanced  by  a  proportional  quantity 
of  land  in  the  other  hemisphere.  He  found  matter 
to  confirm  his  opinions  from  the  stories  and  obser- 
vations of  the  seamen  of  his  day.  A  Portuguese 
pilot,  who  had  sailed  a  good  deal  farther  west  than 
was  usual  at  that  time,  had  found  a  piece  of  wood 
floating  upon  the  sea,  ingeniously  carved,  but  not 
after  any  European  workmanship.  The  wind,  too, 
had  been  west  for  a  number  of  days  when  he  found 
it,  and  from  this  they  inferred  that  the  wood  came 
from  some  unknown  land  situated  in  that  quarter. 

15.  Beside  all  this,  Pedro  Correa,  who  had  mar- 
.ricd  the  sister  of  Columbus's  wife,  told  him  that  he 

had  found,  to  the  west  of  the  Madeira  Islands,  a 
piece  of  timber  wrought  in  a  like  manner.  Correa 
lived  in  Porto  Santo,  a  little  island  belonging  to  this 

14.  What  were  his  reasons  for  supposing  tnat  there  must  be  a 
western  passage  to  India?  What  confirmed  his  opinions  ?  15 
\\  hat  did  Pedro  Correa  tell  Columbus  ? 


20  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

cluster,  which  had  been  discovered  and  govern?. <. 
by  Palestrello.  To  the  west  of  this  place,  they  had 
found  enormous  canes  floating  upon  the  waters. 
These  were  so  large,  that  every  joint  would  hold 
above  four  quarts  of  wine.  No  place  was  known 
in  those  countries  where  canes  of  that  kind  grew. 
People  who  had  written  about  India  said  that  a 
great  many  of  them  grew  there.  So  Columbus 
thought  they  had  been  blown  by  the  westerly  winds 
from  that  country. 

16.  The  people  who  lived  in  the  Azores  said 
that,  when  the  winds  blew  for  a  long  time  from  the 
west,  trees  torn  up  by  the  roots  were  frequently 
driven  upon  their  coasts.  These  trees  were  of  a 
kind  that  did  not  grow  in  any  of  their  islands.  At 
one  time,  the  dead  bodies  of  two  men,  very  broad- 
faced,  and  of  different  features  from  either  Eu- 
ropeans or  Africans,  were  cast  ashore  there. 

17.  Besides  this,  there  was  a  wrong  notion 
among  the  ancient  writers  in  respect  to  the  extent 
of  India.  Though  it  haa  not  been  explored,  with 
any  considerable  diligence,  beyond  the  river  Gan- 
ges, some  Greek  authors  had  ventured  to  describe 
the  provinces  beyond  that  river  as  vast  countries. 
One  writer  had  said  that  it  would  take  four  months 
to  go  in  a  straight  line  from  one  end  of  it  to  the 
other.     In  the  thirteenth  century,  there  was  a  famous 

What  had  been  found  to  the  west  of  Porto  Santo?  16.  What 
did  the  people  of  the  Azores  say  ?  17.  What  of  the  ancient  wri 
lers  on  India  ? 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  21 

traveller  named  Marco  Polo,  who  had  gone  farther 
towards  the  east  than  any  European  had  ever  gone 
before  him.  The  accounts  he  gave  seemed  to 
strengthen  the  notions  of  the  old  geographers  Co- 
lumbus was  persuaded  that  the  most  direct  course 
to  the  most  easterly  part  of  Asia  was  by  sailing 
due  west  from  Europe. 

18.  About  this  time,  there  was  a  very  learned 
man  living  at  Florence,  by  the  name  of  Paulo  Fos- 
canelli.  He  was  a  physician,  and  distinguished 
for  his  knowledge  of  the  different  parts  of  the  world. 
In  the  year  1474,  Columbus  wrote  him  a  long  let- 
ter, containing  what  he  had  thought  and  concluded 
upon  this  subject,  and  communicating  the  plans  he 
had  formed  about  it.  Paulo  approved  of  his  plans, 
and  warmly  encouraged  Columbus  to  proceed  in 
his  undertaking.  Fully  satisfied  of  the  truth  of  his 
system,  Columbus  was  now  desirous  to  set  out  on 
a  voyage  of  discovery.  The  first  step  necessary 
was  to  secure  the  assistance  and  protection  of  some 
powerful  European  king. 

Of  what  was  Columbus  persuaded?  18.  What  of  Paulo  Fos- 
canelli  7  To  whom  did  Columbus  write  in  1474  7  Did  Paulo 
approve  of  ColumDus's  plans  7     What  step  was  first  necessary  ? 


22  LIFE  OF  COLUMJiUb 


CHAPTER  II. 

Columbus  forms  Plans  of  Discovery.  Applies  to  the 
King  of  Portugal.  Is  deceived  by  him.  Leaves 
Lisbon  for  Genoa.  First  Arrival  at  Palos.  Goes 
thence  to  Cordova,  where  the  Court  at  that  Time  resided. 
He  is  entertained  by  the  King's  Auditor.  Council  of 
Salamanca.  Return  to  Palos.  The  Sovereigns  event- 
ually accept  his  Propositions.  Equipment  of  three 
Caravels. 

1.  We  now  find  Columbus  with  his  opinions  com- 
Dletely  formed,  and  his  plans  probably  somewhat 
matured.  He  never  wavered  a  moment  in  his  be- 
lief of  the  eventual  success  of  his  undertaking.  It 
was  now  necessary  to  obtain  the  protection  of  a 
King,  able  to  furnish  him  with  all  the  assistance  he 
should  require. 

2.  It  does  not  exactly  appear  to  what  monarch 
Columbus  made  the  earliest  application.  His  son 
tells  us  that  he  first  proposed  his  plans  to  the  king 
of  Portugal,  because  he  lived  under  his  government. 
It  happened  that  this  king  was  at  that  time  very 
much  engaged  in  exploring  and  subduing  that  part 
of  the  western  coast  of  Africa,  which  is  called 
Guinea.  This  had  cost  the  nation  a  great  deal  of 
money,  and  the  king  was  not  much  inclined  to  ex- 
pend any  more  treasure  in  discoveries.     He  treated 

2.  To  what  king  did  Columbus  first  apply  ?  How  did  he  treat 
Columbus  ? 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  23 

Columbus,  however,  with  respect,  and  listened  at- 
tentively to  his  propositions.  It  only  remained  to 
agree  upon  the  terms. 

3.  Columbus  was  impressed  with  the  importance 
of  the  discoveries  he  should  probably  make,  and 
was  naturally  desirous  of  reaping  some  of  their 
benefits  for  himself  and  his  family.  He  demanded 
high  and  honorable  titles  and  rewards,  that  he- 
might  leave  behind  him  a  name  and  a  dignity 
worthy  of  his  deeds  and  merits.  The  Portuguese 
monarch,  John  II.,  was  desirous  of  securing  the  re- 
sults of  any  discovery,  to  his  crown,  though  he  wag 
unwilling  to  incur  any  great  expense,  or  to  bestow 
any  considerable  reward  for  it.  By  the  advice  of  a 
favorite  counsellor,  the  bishop  of  Ceuta,  he  de. 
termined  to  despatch  a  caravel  to  pursue  the  route 
that  had  been  marked  out  by  Columbus.  Caravels 
were  light  vessels  formerly  in  use  on  the  coast  of 
Spain  and  Portugal,  though  now  gone  out  of  fashion 
One  of  them  could  be  fitted  out  at  a  small  expense, 
on  some  frivolous  pretext,  and  by  following  the 
course  proposed  by  Columbus,  it  could  be  ascertain- 
ed whether  or  not  there  was  any  truth  in  his  new 
and  startling  projects. 

4.  But  the  adventurers  he  sent  upon  this  fraud- 
ulent design  wanted  courage  and  constancy  to 
carry  it   through.      After   wandering   many    days 

3.  What  did  Columbus  demand  ?  What  did  John  II.  determine 
t<;  do  ?  What  are  caravels  ?  4.  What  of  the  adventurers  sent 
tint  bv  the   king  ? 


24  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

upon  the  waters,  beyond  the  Cape  de  Verd  Islands, 
they  returned  to  Lisbon,  ridiculing  the  idea  that 
there  should  be  any  land  in  those  seas.  The  trick 
that  had  been  practised  by  John,  reached  the  ears 
of  Columbus.  His  wife  was  now  dead,  and  he  had 
no  remaining  tie  to  attach  him  to  Portugal.  It  is 
said  that  the  king  wished  to  renew  negotiations  with 
him ;  but  Columbus  firmly  declined.  He  determined 
to  abandon  a  country  where  he  had  been  treated 
with  so  little  faith,  and.  in  the  year  1484,  privately 
departed  with  his  son  Diego. 

5.  Being  now  at  liberty  to  court  the  protection  of 
any  monarch  whom  he  could  engage  to  carry  his 
plan  into  execution,  he  concluded  to  visit  in  person 
the  court  of  Ferdinand  and  Isabella,  who  at  that 
time  governed  the  united  kingdoms  of  Castile 
and  Arragon.  It  was  about  a  year  after  leaving 
Portugal,  that  we  first  find  him  in  Palos,  a  little  sea 
port  of  Spain.  Some  writers  say  that,  in  the  inter- 
val, he  went  to  Genoa,  and  made  his  propositions  to 
the  government  of  his  native  republic.  He  met, 
however,  with  a  refusal.  From  Genoa  it  is  sup- 
posed that  he  carried  his  proposals  to  Venice ; 
though  there  is  nothing  but  an  uncertain  tradition  to 
countenance  this  suggestion.  It  is  agreed  by 
several   authors,  that,  about  this  period,  he  visited 

What  of  Columbus  at  this  time  ?  What  did  he  do  in  the  year 
1484?  5.  What  did  he  then  conclude  to  do  ?  At  what  time  did 
lie  visit  Palos  ?  What  do  some  writers  say  ?  What  do  some 
authors  agree  upon  ? 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  25 

his  aged  father,  and,  having  discharged  towards  him 
all  the  duties  ol"  an  affectionate  son,  departed,  once 
more,  to  try  his  fortune  in  foreign  states. 

6.  Before  leaving  Portugal,  he  sent  his  brother 
Bartholomew  into  England,  to  make  proposals  to 
King  Henry  VII.  This  brother,  we  are  told  by  his 
nephew  Ferdinand,  was  a  skilful  and  judicious  man 
in  sea  affairs,  though  no  Latin  scholar.  He  had 
been  taught  by  Columbus  to  make  charts,  globes, 
and  other  instruments  useful  to  seamen,  and  in  this 
manner  procured  a  livelihood.  Bartholomew,  while 
on  his  way  to  England,  fell  into  the  hands  of  pirates, 
and,  with  his  companions,  was  robbed  of  every  thing 
he  possessed.  For  this  reason,  being  poor  and 
sick,  it  was  a  long  time  before  he  could  deliver  his 
proposals.  Having  procured  a  little  money  by 
making  charts,  he  at  length  obtained  access  to  the 
king,  and  presented  him  with  a  map  of  the  world,  of 
his  own  drawing,  inscribed  with  a  number  of  Latin 
verses.  The  king  was  pleased  with  the  plans  of 
Columbus ;  but  so  long  a  time  had  elapsed,  owing 
to  the  misfortunes  that  befell  his  messenger,  that  his 
propositions  had  already  been  accepted  by  another 
court. 

7.  The  first  arrival  of  Columbus  at  Palos  was 
towards  the  end  of  the  year  1485.     About  half  a 

6.  What  of  Bartholomew?  What  had  Columbus  taught  him  \ 
What  accident  befell  Bartholomew  1  How  did  he  obtain  access 
to  the  king  ?  What  was  the  consequence  of  the  misfortunes  of 
Bartholomew  1     7.  When  did  Columbus  first  arrive  at  Polos  1 

3  B 


•Lb  LIFE  OF  COLUAIIiUg. 

league  from  this  seaport  was  a  convent  of  Francis- 
can friars.  Columbus,  with  his  little  son,  stopped 
one  day  at  this  convent,  to  ask  for  some  bread  and 
water.  The  prior  of  the  monastery,  Juan  Perez  de 
Marchena,  was  a  man  of  intelligence  and  learning. 
Being  struck  with  the  appearance  and  demeanor 
of  Columbus,  he  immediately  entered  into  a  con- 
versation with  him.  It  ended  in  an  invitation  to 
the  stranger  to  become  for  a  while  a  guest  at  the 
convent.  Juan  Perez  talked  with  Columbus  of  his 
plans,  and  became  exceedingly  interested  in  them. 
He  sent  for  a  scientific  friend,  Garcia  Fernandez, 
the  physician  of  Palos,  with  whom  the  matter  was 
industriously  examined.  All  became  more  and 
more  zealous  in  their  wishes,  and  hopes,  for  putting 
the  project  into  execution. 

8.  It  happened  that  Juan  Perez  was  an  intimate 
friend  of  Fernando  de  Talavera,  the  confessor  of 
Queen  Isabella.  The  favorite  priests  and  con- 
fessors of  the  Catholic  princes  of  Europe  have  al- 
ways had  immense  influence  in  the  management 
of  public  affairs.  Columbus  was  accordingly  fur- 
nished with  a  letter  of  introduction  to  Talavera,  in 
which  his  enterprise  was  strenuously  recommended 
to  the  patronage  of  the  crown.     In  the  spring  of 

Where  was  the  convent  of  Franciscan  friars  ?  Who  was  the 
prior  of  the  monastery  ?  In  what  manner  did  he  treat  Columbus  ? 
8  Who  was  Fernando  de  Talavera  1  What  of  the  favorite  priests 
and  confessors  of  the  Catholic  princes  ?  With  what  letter  of  in 
'reduction  was  Columbus  furnished  ? 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  27 

I486,  leaving  his  son  at  the  convent  with  his  friend, 
he  departed  for  the  court  of  Castile. 

9.  On  arriving  at  Cordova,  where  the  court  at 
that  time  were  residing,  he  found  it  almost  impossi- 
ble to  obtain  a  hearing.  An  old  Spanish  writer, 
whose  books  were  many  years  ago  quaintly  trans- 
lated into  English,  thus  speaks  of  his  reception  : — 
"  Because  he  was  a  stranger,  and  went  but  in  sim- 
ple apparell,  nor  otherwise  credited  than  by  the 
letter  of  a  gray  friar,  they  believed  him  not,  neither 
gave  care  to  his  words,  whereby  he  was  greatly 
tormented  in  his  imagination.  Only  Alonzo  of 
Quintanilia,  the  king's  chief  auditor,  gave  him 
meat  and  drink  at  his  own  charges,  and  heard 
gladly  of  such  things  as  he  declared  of  the  lands 
not  then  found  ;  desiring  him,  in  the  mean  time,  to 
be  content  with  that  poor  entertainment,  and  not 
to  despair  of  his  enterprise ;  putting  him  also  in 
good  comfort,  that  he  should,  at  one  time  or  other, 
come  to  the  speech  of  the  Catholic  princes." 

10.  The  court  was  at  this  time  involved  in  per- 
petual hurry  and  confusion.  The  united  sov- 
ereigns were  introducing  several  necessary  meas- 
ures of  reform  and  improvement  in  their  dominions. 
They  frequently  attended  the  army  in  person,  to 
hasten  the  conquest  of  the  kingdom  of  Granada. 

When  did  he  set  out  for  the  court  of  Castile  ?  D.  How  was 
he  received  at  Cordova?  What  does  an  old  Spanish  writer  say 
of  his  reception?  10.  How  was  the  court  of  Spain  at  this  time 
engaged ? 


28  LVcK  OF  COLUMBUS. 

This  kingdom  was  the  last  remaining  seat  of 
Moorish  power  in  Spain,  and  it  was  the  grand  ob- 
ject of  Spanish  pride  to  effect  its  overthrow.  En- 
gaged in  so  important  and  expensive  an  undertak- 
ing, it  was  hardly  to  have  been  expected  that  they 
would  have  easily  listened  to  any  plans  of  dis 
covery,  of  which  the  expense  would  be  immediate 
and  certain,  and  the  benefits  distant  and  insecure. 
There  is  a  good  deal  of  doubt  whether  his  applica- 
tion for  some  time  reached  their  ears.  The  prior 
of  Prado,  Talavera,  was  unfriendly  to  the  plan, 
condemning  it  as  idle  and  extravagant. 

11.  But  when  Ferdinand  and  Isabella  were  made 
acquainted  with  the  proposals,  in  the  midst  of  their 
business  and  confusion,  they  were  disposed  to  give 
them  a  serious  and  calm  examination.  For  that 
purpose,  they  called  an  assembly  of  all  the  learned 
men  of  the  court  and  the  vicinity,  to  listen  to  the 
reasoning  of  Columbus,  and  weigh  it  with  due  care 
and  attention.  This  conference  took  place  in 
Salamanca,  and  was  held  in  the  convent  of  St. 
Stephen. 

12.  The  assembly  was  composed  of  learned  pro- 
fessors in  all  the  branches  of  science,  together  with 
the  friars  and  other  members  of  the  church.     Learn- 


What  of  the  kingdom  of  Granada  ?  Was  it  to  he  expected 
that  Columbus  "would  be  listened  to  at  this  time  ?  Was  Talavera 
friendly  to  the  plan  of  Columbus  ?  11.  What  did  Ferdinand  and 
Isabella  do?  Where  did  the  conference  take  place?  12.  Of 
whom  was  the  assembly  composed  ? 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  29 

ing  at  this  period  was  almost  entirely  confined  with- 
in the  walls  of  the  convents.  The  men  who 
devoted  their  lives  to  religion,  were  the  only  men 
wno  seem  to  have  given  any  time  to  the  study  of 
science  and  literature.  The  assembly,  before  which 
Columbus  was  summoned  at  Salamanca,  has,  ac- 
cordingly, been  well  styled  a  council  of  clerical 
sages.  They  were  bigoted  in  their  religious  creeds. 
Not  remembering  that  the  Bible  was  sent  to  teach 
men  religion  and  morality,  they  insisted  upon  so 
understanding  it,  as  if  it  had  been  sent  to  teach 
them  also  geography,  and  a  knowledge  of  the  system 
of  the  stars.  Any  opinion  at  variance  with  an 
isolated  text  of  scripture  was  sure  to  be  denounced 
as  impious. 

13.  Columbus  rose  before  this  learned  body,  a 
simple  mariner,  in  a  crowd  of  professors  and  divines, 
who  had  passed  their  whole  life  in  study.  Many 
of  them  were  sufficiently  satisfied  with  their  own 
superior  knowledge,  to  reject  his  propositions  as 
presumptuous  and  absurd,  without  even  listening 
to  them.  Others  attended  to  his  arguments,  but 
said  that,  since  so  many  skilful  sailors  had  been  for 
so  many  thousand  years  ignorant  of  the  existence 
of  these  lands,  it  was  impossible  that  Columbus 
should  know  so  much  more  than  all  who  had  been 
before  him. 

What  of  learning'  at  this   period  ?     What   of  the  assembly  at 
Salamanca?     13.  What  did  some  of  the  members  of  the  assembly 
say  to  Columbus's  propositions  ? 
3  * 


30  LIFE  OF  COLU3IBUS. 

14.  Others  contended  that  the  world  was  so  im- 
mensely large,  that  three  years'  sail  could  not  bring 
him  to  the  end  of  the  east,  where  he  intended  to 
direct  his  voyage.  To  strengthen  this  opinion,  they 
brought  forward  the  authority  of  Seneca,  a  celebrated 
old  writer,  who  had  said  that  wise  men  disagreed 
about  the  question  whether  the  ocean  was  infinite, 
whether  it  could  be  sailed  over,  and  whether  hab- 
itable lands  could  be  found  upon  the  other  side. 

15.  Others  asserted  that,  if  any  man  should  sail 
away  westward  as  far  as  Columbus  proposed,  he 
would  not  be  able  to  return,  on  account  of  the 
roundness  of  the  globe.  They  said  it  would  be 
going  down ;  and  that  coming  back  would  be  like 
climbing  a  hill,  which  a  vessel  could  not  do  with 
the  strongest  gale ! 

1(3.  These  are  some  of  the  prejudices  and  absurd 
arguments  against  which  Columbus  had  to  con- 
tend, even  in  a  council  of  learned  men.  Those 
who  could  give  no  better  reason  for  their  obstinate 
disbelief,  quoted  an  old  proverb  which  says,  "  Saint 
Augustine  questions  it."  This  saint  was  one  of  the 
early  fathers  of  the  church,  who  wrote  several  cen- 
turies before  that  period,  and  at  a  time  when  they 
knew  less  about  the  form  and  nature  of  the  earth, 
than  they  did  in  the  days  of  the  council  of  Salamanca. 

17.  He  composed  books  upon  theology,  or  _sul>- 

14.  What  did  others  contend  ?  Whose  authority  did  they  bring 
forward  ?  15.  What  was  asserted  by  others  1  16.  What  of 
Saint  Augustine  1     17.  What  Nooks  did  he  compose  1 


LII'C  OF  COLUMBUS.  '31 

jects  connected  with  religion,  in  which  a  great 
many  difficult  points  are  discussed  at  very  great 
iength.  In  one  of  these  he  said  it  was  impossible  to 
go  out  of  one  hemisphere  into  the  other ;  and  ridi- 
culed the  notion  of  the  antipodes,  or  people  dwell- 
ing on  the  other  side  of  the  earth,  with  their 
feet  to  our  feet.  What  Saint  Augustine  said,  they 
contended,  must  be  true ;  and  if  the  plan  of  Colum- 
bus interfered  with  any  of  his  opinions,  it  must  be 
presumptuous  and  irreligious. 

18.  There  were  some  few,  in  this  body,  of 
superior  intelligence  and  fairness,  who  were  con- 
vinced by  the  reasoning,  and  delighted  with  the 
zeal  and  eloquence,  of  Columbus.  They  interested 
themselves  in  his  cause,  but  without  effect.  The 
majority  were  too  bigoted  in  their  old  and  false 
notions  of  things  to  be  reasoned  out  of  them  by 
an  obscure  adventurer,  whom  many  of  them  con- 
sidered "  a  crafty  felon  and  deceiver."  They  gave 
it,  therefore,  as  the  result  of  their  deliberations,  that 
it  did  not  become  the  state  and  dignity  of  great 
princes  to  act  upon  such  weak  information.  The 
sovereigns  consequently  sent  word  to  Columbus, 
that  they  were  too  much  occupied  with  wars,  and 
particularly  with  the  conquest  of  Granada,  to  be 
able  to  treat  at  present  upon  the  subject. 


18.  What  men  interested  themselves  for  Columbus  ?  How  was 
he  considered  by  many  of  them  ?  What  was  the  result  of  their 
deliberations  1     What  did  the  sovereigns  consequently  do  ? 


32  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

19.  Columbus,  meanwhile,  had  received  a  letter 
of  encouragement  from  the  court  of  France,  and 
returned  to  the  convent  of  La  Rabida  at  Palos, 
where  he  had  left  his  son  under  the  care  of  Juan 
Perez.  It  was  his  intention  to  depart  immediately 
for  Paris.  When  his  old  friend  the  prior  saw 
Columbus  once  more  at  the  gate  of  his  monastery, 
after  several  years  of  vain  solicitation  at  court,  he 
was  deeply  affected.  He  entreated  him  by  all 
means  to  remain  in  the  country.  He  had  been 
father  confessor  to  the  queen,  and  thought  he  might 
still  exercise  an  influence  over  her  mind.  He  ac- 
cordingly proceeded  to  Santa  Fe,  where  the  sov- 
ereigns were  in  person  superintending  the  siege  of 
the  capital  of  Granada. 

20.  Perez  obtained  a  ready  access  to  the  queen. 
He  laid  before  her  the  propositions  of  Columbus 
with  freedom  and  eloquence.  Isabella  was  moved 
with  the  grandeur  of  the  project.  The  principles 
upon  which  it  was  founded,  the  advantages  that 
would  result  from  its  success,  and  the  glory  it  would 
shed  upon  Spain,  were  for  the  first  time  represented 
to  her  in  their  true  colors.  She  promised  her 
patronage  to  the  undertaking. 

21.  It  was  how  only  necessary  to  agree  upon  the 
terms.     Columbus  would  listen  only  to  princely  con- 

19.  What  letter  did  Columbus  receive  ?  To  what  place  did  ho 
return  1  What  of  the  prior  of  the  convent  1  20.  What  did  ho  do 
for  the  furtherance  of  Columbus's  plan  ?  How  was  Isabella  alTcci- 
*>d  by  it  ?     21.  What  terms  did  Columbus  propose  ? 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  33 

ditions.  A  meaner  spirit,  after  years  of  unsuccess- 
ful toil,  poverty  and  disappointment,  would  have 
been  glad  to  secure  the  assistance  of  the  sovereigns, 
on  such  arrangements  as  their  own  liberality  might 
dictate.  But  Columbus  proposed  his  own  rewards 
and  honors,  and  would  consent  to  no  other.  He 
demanded  them  as  if  he  were  already  successful, 
and  aware  of  the  extent  and  importance  of  his  dis- 
coveries. 

22.  The  court  were  eventually  obliged  to  grant 
that  he  should  be  admiral  on  the  ocean,  and  enjoy 
all  the  privileges  and  honors  allowed  to  the  high 
admiral  of  Castile ;  that  he  should  be  governor  over 
all  the  countries  he  might  discover ;  and  that  he 
should  reserve  to  himself  one  tenth  of  all  pearls, 
precious  stones,  gold,  silver,  and  articles  of  mer- 
chandise, in  whatever  manner  obtained,  within  his 
admiralty.  They  also  allowed  that  he  should  ap- 
point judges  in  all  parts  of  Spain  trading  to  those 
countries ;  and  that  on  this  voyage,  and  at  all  other 
times,  he  should  contribute  an  eighth  part  of  the  ex- 
pense, and  receive  an  eighth  part  of  the  profits. 

23.  These  articles  of  agreement  were  signed  by 
Ferdinand  and  Isabella,  at  the  city  of  Fanta  Fe, 
on  the  17th  of  April,  1492.  All  the  papers  issued 
upon  this  occasion  bore  equally  the  signatures  of 

22.  What  did  the  court  grant  to  Columbus  1  23.  Who  skaeo 
(he  articles  of  agreement  1 

B2 


34  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS 

both  sovereigns,  but  all  the  expenses  were  defrayec 
by  the  crown  of  Castile. 

24.  The  port  of  Palos  was  selected  as  the  place 
where  the  necessary  armament  was  to  be  fitted  out 
Three  caravels  were  procured,  and  orders  given  thai 
they  should  be  manned  and  provided  with  all  care 
and  diligence.  Their  majesties  wrote  letters  to  the 
princes  who  might  be  found  on  the  limits  of  the 
Eastern  and  Western  oceans,  requesting  that  their 
ambassador  and  minister  might  be  received  and 
treated  with  all  respect  and  honor.  An  order  was 
directed  to  the  town  of  Seville,  to  permit  arms, 
provisions,  and  all  things  necessary  for  the  voyage, 
to  pass  free  of  duties. 

25.  Another  mark  of  favor  was  granted  to 
Columbus  by  the  kind  consideration  of  Isabella. 
She  appointed  his  son  Diego  page  to  Prince  Juan, 
the  heir  apparent,  with  a  suitable  allowance  for  his 
support.  This  was  an  honor  that  had  previously 
been  granted  only  to  families  ol  distinguished 
rank. 

26.  There  were  still  difficulties  before  commenc- 
ing the  voyage,  that  it  required  all  the  persever- 
ance of  Columbus  to  overcome.  It  was  almost  im- 
possible to  prevail  upon  any  seamen  to  engage  in 

How  were  the  expenses  of  tlie  expedition  to  be  defrayed  ? 
21.  Where  was  the  armament  to  be  fitted  out  ?  What  vessels 
were  provided  ?  What  letters  were  written  by  Ferdinand  and 
Isabella  ?  25.  What  mark  of  favor  did  Isabella  grant  to  Colum- 
bus ?     26.  What  difficulties  had  he  to  encounter  ? 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  35 

the  undertaking.  The  royal  order  in  respect  to 
the  fitting  out  of  the  caravels  was  peremptory  ;  but 
weeks  passed,  and  it  still  remained  without  any  thing 
being  done.  The  old  sailors  who  had  passed  most 
of  their  lives  upon  the  water,  shrunk  from  the  enter- 
prise with  horror  It  shocked  all  the  notions  that 
had  been  entertained  so  long  in  respect  to  the  forma- 
tion of  the  earth,  and  the  extent  of  the  ocean. 
New  orders  were  issued  by  the  court,  and  officers 
were  appointed  to  press  ships  and  seamen  into  the 
service  of  Columbus.  This  measure  occasioned  a 
great  deal  of  disputing  and  confusion,  but  led  to  no 
important  result. 

27.  At  length  a  rich  and  adventurous  navigator, 
named  Alonzo  Pinzon,  came  forward,  and  interest- 
ed himself  very  strenously  in  the  expedition.  His 
assistance  was  effectual.  He  owned  vessels,  and 
had  many  seamen  in  his  employ,  and  consequently 
possessed  great  influence.  He  and  his  brother  Vi- 
cente Pinzon  determined  to  take  commands,  and 
sail  with  Columbus.  Their  example  had  a  great 
effect;  they  persuaded  their  relations  and  friends 
to  embark  with  them,  and  the  vessels  were  ready 
for  sea  within  a  month  after  they  had  thus  engaged 
in  their  equipment. 


What  of  the  old  sailors  1  What  orders  were  issued  by  the 
court1?  What  was  the  result  of  them?  27.  What  of  AJonzo 
Pinzon  ?  What  did  he  and  his  brother  determine  to  do  1  What 
effect  had  their  example  7 


HG  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

23.  We  now  find  Columbus  on  the  eve  of  his 
first  grand  expedition,  which  was  to  result  m  the 
discovery  of  a  new  world.  The  simple  seaman  of 
Genoa,  whom  the  ignorant  derided  as  a  fool,  and 
philosophers  neglected  as  an  impostor,  after  years 
of  poverty  and  disappointment,  had  at  length  ob- 
tained the  object  of  his  unwearied  solicitations,  and 
was  going  forward  with  a  calm  and  dignified  as- 
surance of  success.  What  unspeakable  joy  must  have 
filled  his  heart,  as  the  little  caravel  in  which  he 
sailed  was  leaving  the  shores  of  Spain  in  the  dis- 
tance, stretching  forward  into  that  dim  and  unex- 
plored ocean,  from  whose  shadows  he  was  to  reveal 
new  dominions  for  his  country,  and  a  new  world 
for  Europe ! 

28.  Where  do  we  now  find  Columbus  ?  Had  he  obtained  hi* 
ebject  * 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  37 


CHAPTER  III. 

Sailing  of  Columbus.  Tlie  Pinta  breaks  her  Rudder. 
They  reach  the  Canary  Islands.  Continue  their 
Voyage.  Signs  of  Land.  The  Men  become  mutinous, 
Discover  a  beautiful  Island.  Call  it  San  Salvador 
Description  of  the  jYatives.  Find  a  great  many 
Islands.  Overtake  an  Indian  it  his  Canoe.  Fer- 
nandina.     Isabella.     Sail  for  Cuba. 

I.  Columbus  and  his  companions  sailed  from 
the  bar  of  Saltes,  a  small  island  in  front  of  the 
town  of  Huelva,  early  on  the  morning  of  the  third 
of  August,  1492.  They  directed  their  course  in  a 
south-westerly  direction,  for  the  Canary  Islands. 
Columbus  immediately  commenced  a  regular  and 
minute  journal  of  the  voyage,  in  the  preface  to 
which  he  recounted  the  motives  which  led  him  to 
the  expedition.  In  the  conclusion  of  this  preface, 
he  says,  "  I  intend  to  write,  during  this  voyage, 
very  punctually,  from  day  to  day,  all  that  I  may  do, 
and  see,  and  experience,  as  will  hereafter  be  seen. 
Also,  my  sovereign  princes,  beside  describing  each 
night  all  that  has  occurred  in  the  day,  a_id  in  the 
day   the   navigation   of   the   night,   I    propose   to 

1.  From  what  place  did  Columbus  and  his  companions  sail? 
How  did  they  direct  their  course  ?  What  does  Columbus  say  in 
.he  preface  to  his  journal  ? 

4 


38  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

make  a  chart,  in  which  I  will  set  down  the  waters 
and  lands  of  the  Ocean  sea,  in  their  proper  situa- 
tions under  their  bearings ;  and,  further,  to  compose 
a  book,  and  illustrate  the  whole  in  picture  by  lati- 
tude from  the  equinoctial,  and  longitude  from  the 
west ;  and  upon  the  whole,  it  will  be  essential  that 
I  should  forget  sleep,  and  attend  closely  to  the 
navigation,  to  accomplish  these  things,  which  will 
be  a  great  labor." 

2.  The  day  after  the  admiral  departed  for  the 
Canary  Islands,  the  rudder  of  one  of  the  ca*ravels, 
La  Pinta,  became  loose,  being  broken  or  unshipped. 
This  was  supposed  to  have  been  through  the  con- 
trivance of  a  couple  of  men  on  board,  who  disliked 
going  on  the  voyage.  The  weather  was  very  rough, 
and  the  other  vessels  were  unable  to  render  her  any 
assistance.  Her  captain,  however,  Alonzo  Pin- 
zon,  was  a  man  of  courage  and  a  good  seaman. 
He  repaired  the  rudder,  by  means  of  ropes,  so  as  to 
be  able  to  continue  the  voyage,  as  far  as  the  Grand 
Canary.  Columbus  reached  the  island  of  Gomera, 
and  went  from  there  to  the  island  where  Pinzon 
had  sailed  with  the  Pinta.  After  three  or  four 
weeks  spent  in  repairing  this  vessel,  they  took  in 
fresh  supplies  of  wood,  water  and  meat,  and  set  sail 
from  the  harbor  of  Gomera  on  the  sixth  of  Sep- 
tember. 


2.  What  accident  happened   to   the  Pinta  ?     What  of  Alonzo 
Pinzon  1     How  long  were  they  repairing'  the  vessel  1 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  &> 

J{.  They  steered  their  course  directly  west.  On 
the  fifth  day  of  their  voyage,  they  saw  a  large  frag- 
ment of  the  mast  of  a  vessel  apparently  of  a  hun- 
dred and  twenty  tons.  It  seemed  to  have  been  a 
long  time  in  the  water.  On  the  fifteenth  of  Sep- 
tember, at  night,  they  saw  a  wonderful  flash  of  fire 
fall  into  the  sea,  at  the  distance  of  four  or  five 
leagues,  though  the  weather  at  the  time  was  per- 
fectly fair  and  pleasant.  On  the  next  day,  they  fell  in 
with  a  large  quantity  of  very  green  weeds,  which 
appeared  to  have  been  recently  washed  away  from 
some  rock  or  island.  Among  them  they  found  a 
live  crab,  which  they  considered  a  sure  sign  of 
land,  as  this  creature  is  never  found  eighty  leagues 
out  at  sea.  The  vessels  were  also  followed  by  a 
great  many  tunny  fishes,  and  the  crew  of  the  Nina 
killed  one  of  them. 

4.  In  two  or  three  days  more,  Pinzon,  who  had 
run  ahead  of  the  other  vessels,  in  the  Pinta,  which 
was  a  very  swift  sailer,  informed  Columbus  that  he 
had  seen  great  flocks  of  birds,  flying  towards  the 
west.  Clouds  appeared  in  a  dark  heavy  mass  at 
the  north,  which  his  companions  considered  a  sign 
of  land  :  but  the  admiral  was  unwilling  to  lose  any 
time  by  steering  out  of  his  direct  course 

5.  The  men  on  board  the  ships  watched,  with 
the  greatest  anxiety,  for  every  sign  of  land.     They 


3.  What  objects  did  they  see.  at  different  times  ?     4.  Of  what 
did  Pinzon  inform  Coiumbus  1     5    What  of  the  sailors  ? 


40  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS 

began  to  murmur  and  become  fearful.  On  tno 
nineteenth  of  the  month,  two  pelicans  came  on 
board  one  of  the  vessels,  at  different  hours  of  the 
day.  These  birds  seldom  fly  more  then  twenty 
leagues  from  the  shore.  Three  days  afterwards, 
they  took  a  bird  of  a  black  color,  with  a  white  tuft 
on  its  head,  and  feet  like  a  duck ;  they  also  caught 
a  little  fish,  and  saw  abundance  of  weeds.  Towards 
night,  two  or  three  land  birds  came  singing  aboard 
the  vessels,  and  flew  away  at  day-break. 

G.  One  thing  that  terrified  the  sailors  very  much 
was,  that  the  wind  always  blew  directly  in  theii 
stern.  They  said  that  in  those  seas  they  should 
never  have  a  breeze  to  carry  them  back.  The 
water  was  very  tranquil,  with  no  swell.  Columbus 
endeavored  to  quiet  them,  by  the  assurance  that 
the  reason  the  waters  did  not  rise,  was  the  neigh- 
borhood of  the  land.  It  happened,  however,  very 
fortunately,  that  about  this  time  the  wind  started 
up  freshly  at  west-north-west,  with  a  rolling  sea. 
On  the  same  day,  a  turtle-dove  flew  over  the  ship,  a 
pelican,  a  river  fowl,  and  other  birds;  and  they 
found  several  crabs  among  the  weeds. 

7.  As  all  these  signs  of  land  continually  failed, 
the  crews  were  more  disposed  to  murmur  against 
the  admiral.     They  said  that  he  had  a  design  to 

What  birds  flew  on  board  the  vessels  ?  6.  What  circumstance 
terrified  the  sailors  ?  How  did  Columbus  endeavor  to  quiet 
them  ?  What  of  birds  and  crabs  1  7.  Why  did  the  crews 
murmur   against  Columbus  ? 


LIFE  OF  COLUMIU/S.  4{ 

make  himself  a  great  lord,  at  the  expense  of  their 
lives;  that  they  had  gone  far  enough  to  prove  their 
courage,  and  it  would  only  be  certain  death  to  go 
any  farther.  Provisions  were  falling  short,  and  the 
ships  were  failing.  Some  of  them  even  proposed 
to  throw  Columbus  into  the  sea,  and  give  out  on 
their  return  that  he  had  accidentally  fallen  over- 
board, while  engaged  in  taking  some  observations. 
The  admiral  sometimes  encouraged  and  flattered 
them,  and  sometimes  threatened  them  with  pun- 
ishment. 

8.  The  first  land  that  Columbus  expected  to 
meet  was  Cipango,  which  had  been  placed  by  geo- 
graphers at  the  eastern  extremity  of  India.  This 
was  the  name  given  to  the  island  now  called  Japan, 
by  Marco  Polo,  the  celebrated  Venetian  traveller. 
The  most  extravagant  accounts  of  the  riches  of  this 
country  were  given  by  the  writers  of  that  age,  and' 
the  admiral  was  anxious  to  proceed  directly  there. 

9.  At  sunrise,  on  Sunday,  the  seventh  of  October, 
the  Nina,  which  had  outsailed  the  other  vessels,  on 
account  of  her  swiftness,  hoisted  a  flag  at  her  mast 
head,  and  fired  a  gun,  as  a  signal  of  having  dis- 
covered land.  There  had  been  a  reward  promised 
by  the  king  and  queen  to  the  man  who  should  first 
make  this  discovery ;   and  each  of  the  vessels  was 

What  did  some  of  them  propose  to  do  ?  How  did  the  admiral 
treat  them  ?  8.  What  island  did  he  first  expect  to  meet  ?  What 
accounts  had  been  given  of  this  country  ?  9.  Wnat  of  the  Nina  1 
What  reward  had  been  promised  by  the  king  and  queen  ? 

4* 


42  LIFE  OF  COLUMBIA. 

striving  very  eagerly  to  get  ahead,  and  obtain  the 
promised  recompense.  As  they  found  nothing  of 
the  land  the  Nina  had  made  signals  for,  the  admi- 
ral shifted  his  course,  about  evening,  towards  the 
west-south-west,  with  a  determination  to  sail  two 
days  in  that  direction. 

10.  The  reason  for  making  this  change  was  from 
watching  the  flight  of  the  birds.  The  Portuguese 
had  discovered  most  of  their  islands  in  this  manner, 
and  Columbus  noticed  that  the  flocks  which  passed 
them  all  flew  from  the  north  to  the  south-west. 
He  inferred  from  this  that  land  was  situated  in  that 
quarter.  After  sailing  a  day  or  two,  they  found 
the  air  as  soft  as  that  of  Seville,  in  April,  and  so 
fragrant  that  it  was  delicious  to  breathe  it.  The 
weeds  appeared  very  fresh,  and  many  land  birds 
were  taken. 

11.  The  men,  however,  had  lost  all  faith  in  any 
signs  of  land.  They  did  not  cease  to  murmur 
and  complain.  The  admiral  encouraged  them  in 
the  best  manner  he  could,  representing  the  riches 
they  were  about  to  acquire,  and  adding  that'  it  was 
to  no  purpose  to  complain;  for,  having  come  so  far, 
they  had  nothing  to  do  but  to  continue,  till,  by  the 
assistance  of  Heaven,  they  should  arrive  at  the 
Indies. 


What  did  the  admiral  now  do  ?  10.  Why  did  he  steer  toward 
the  south-west  ?  What  was  the  consequence  of  this  change  ? 
11.  What  of  the  inen  ?     H  w  did  Columbus  encourage  them  1 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  43 

12.  On  the  eleventh  of  October,  they  met  with 
signs  of  land  that  could  not  be  mistaken;  and  all 
began  to  regain  spirits  and  confidence.  The  crew 
of  the  Pinta  saw  a  cane  and  a  log.  They  also 
picked  up  a  stick,  which  appeared  to  have  been 
carved  with  an  iron  instrument,  a  small  board,  and 
abundance  of  weeds  that  had  been  newly  washed 
from  the  banks.  The  crew  of  the  Nina  saw  other 
similar  signs,  and  found,  beside,  a  branch  of  a 
thorn  full  of  red  berries.  Convinced,  by  these  tokens, 
of  the  neighborhood  of  land,  Columbus,  after 
evening  prayers,  made  an  address  to  his  crew, 
reminding  them  of  the  mercy  of  God  in  bringing 
them  so  long  a  voyage  with  such  fair  weather, 
and  encouraging  them  by  signs  that  were  every 
day  plainer  and  plainer.  He  repeated  the  in- 
structions he  had  given  at  the  Canary  Islands, 
that  when  they  had  sailed  seven  hundred  leagues  to 
the  westward  without  discovering  land,  they  should 
lie  by  from  midnight  till  daybreak. 

13.  He  told  them  that,  as  they  had  strong  hopes 
of  finding  land  that  night,  every  one  should  watch 
in  his  place;  and,  besides  the  thirty  crowns  a  year 
which  the  Spanish  sovereigns  had  promised  to  the 
first  discoverer,  he  would  give  him  a  velvet  doub- 
let. 


12.  What  signs  of  land  appeared  on  the  eleventh  of  October '! 
What  did  Columbus  say  to  his  crew  ?  13.  What  directions  did 
he  give  them  1 


44  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

14.  About  ten  o'clock  that  evening,  while  Co- 
lumbus was  keeping  an  anxious  look-out  from  the 
top  of  the  cabin,  he  thought  he  beheld  a  light  glim- 
mering at  a  great  distance.  Fearing  that  his  hopes 
might  deceive  him,  he  called  two  of  his  companions 
to  confirm  him.  One  of  them  came  in  season  to 
observe  it,  but  the  other  was  too  lat<\  It  had  dis- 
appeared. From  this  they  supposed  it  might  be  the 
torch  of  some  fisherman,  raised  up  and  then  sud- 
denly dropped  again.  They  were  all  confident  of 
being  near  land. 

15.  About  two  o'clock  in  the  morning,  the  Pinta 
gave  the  signal  of  land.  It  was  first  perceived  by 
a  sailor  named  Rodrigo  de  Triana;  the  thirty 
crowns  a  year  were  not  granted  to  him,  but  to 
the  admiral  who  had  first  seen  the  light  in  the  midst 
of  darkness.  His  son  says  "  that  this  signified 
the  spiritual  light  he  was  spreading  in  those  dark 
regions." 

16.  When  the  day  appeared,  they  perceived  be- 
fore them  a  large  island,  quite  level,  full  of  green 
trees  and  delicious  waters,  and,  to  all  appearance, 
thickly  inhabited.  Numbers  of  the  people  imme- 
diately collected  together,  and  ran  down  to  the 
shore.  They  were  very  much  astonished  at  the 
sight  of  the  ships,  which  they  believed  to  be  living 


14.  What  did  Columbus  see  in  the  evening?  15.  What  ship 
gave  the  sigi  al  of  land  ?  Who  first  perceived  it?  16.  What 
was  seen  the  next  day  1    What  of  the  people  1 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  45 

cieatures.  The  ships  immediately  came  to  anchor. 
The  admiral  went  ashore  in  his  boat,  well  armed, 
and  bearing  trie  royal  standard.  The  other  cap- 
tains each  took  a  banner  of  the  Green  Cross ; 
containing  the  initials  of  the  names  of  the  king  and 
queen  on  each  side,  and  a  crown  over  each  letter. 
The  admiral  called  upon  the  two  captains,  and  the 
rest  of  the  crew  who  landed,  to  bear  witness  that 
he  took  possession  of  that  island  for  his  sovereigns. 
They  all  gave  thanks  to  God,  kneeling  upon  the 
shore,  shedding  tears  of  joy  for  the  great  mercy  re- 
ceived. The  admiral  rose,  and  called  the  island 
San  Salvador.  The  Indians  called  it  Guanahani, 
and  it  is  now  called  Cat  Island.  It  belongs  to  that 
group  called  the  Bahamas. 

17.  Many  of  the  natives  came  down  to  witness 
this  ceremony.  They  were  very  peaceable  and 
quiet  people,  and  the  admiral  gave  them  some  red 
caps,  glass  beads,  and  a  few  other  trifles  of  small 
value,  with  which  they  were  much  delighted. 
They  imagined  that  the  strangers  had  descended 
from  heaven,  and  valued  the  slightest  token  they 
could  receive  from  them,  as  of  immense  worth. 

18.  When  the  admiral  and  his  companions  re- 
turned to  their  vessels,  the  natives  followed  them 
in  large  numbers.     Some   swam ;  others  went  in 


Describe  the  landing  of  Columbus  and  his  men.  What  was  the 
island  called  ?  17.  What  of  the  natives  ?  18.  What  did  they  do 
when  the  admirn.1  and  his  men  returned  to  their  vessels  1 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS 


The  Indians  visiting  Columbus, 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  47 

their  canoes,  carrying  parrots,  spun  cotton,  javelins, 
and  other  articles,  to  exchange  for  hawks'  bells, 
and  strings  of  beads.  They  went  entirely  naked 
seeming  to  be  very  poor  and  simple. 

19.  They  were  generally  young,  of  good  stature, 
with  thick  and  short  black  hair.  Their  features 
were  good,  and  their  countenances  pleasant,  though 
an  extreme  highness  of  the  forehead  gave  them 
rather  a  wild  appearance.  Some  were  painted 
black,  others  with  white  and  red ;  some  on  the  face 
only,  others  over  the  whole  body.  They  had  no 
knowledge  of  weapons,  and  grasped  the  swords 
which  were  shown  to  them  by  the  blades.  Their 
javelins  were  made  of  sticks,  with  point?  hardened 
at  the  fire,  and  armed  with  fish  bones  instead  of  iron. 
They  easily  learned  the  words  that  were  spoken  to 
them.  No  beasts  were  seen  upon  the  island,  and 
no  birds  but  parrots,  in  which  the  sailors  and  the 
Indians  continued  trafficking  till  night. 

20.  At  daybreak  on  the  next  morning,  great 
multitudes  of  men  came  to  the  shore,  and  went 
aboard  the  ships  in  their  canoes.  These  boats 
were  made  of  one  piece,  being  the  trunks  of  trees 
hollowed  out.  The  largest  of  them  held  forty  or 
"jrty-five  persons.  They  were  rowed  with  a  paddle, 
and  were  very  light  and  swift.  If  they  happen  to 
upset,   they   are  easily  righted,  and  emptied  with 

19.  Describe  their  personal  appearance  ?  Their  manners. 
Weapons.  What  of  beasts  and  birds  ?  20.  Describa  the  canoe* 
•f  the  natives 


d8  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

calabashes,  which  are  prepared  and  carried  for  that 
purpose.  The  natives  brought  the  same  things  to 
barter  that  they  had  brought  the  day  before.  No 
jewels  nor  metals  were  seen  among  them,  except  a 
few  small  plates  of  gold  which  hung  at  their  nos- 
trils. Being  asked  where  they  procured  that  gold, 
they  answered,  by  signs,  that  it  came  from  the  south 
and  south-west,  where  there  were  many  islands, 
and  large  countries. 

21.  They  were  very  desirous  to  possess  them- 
selves of  every  thing  they  could  find  belonging  to 
their  strange  visitors.  Bits  of  broken  platters,  and 
fragments  of  glass,  were  very  eagerly  sought  after. 
They  wanted  some  memorial  of  them,  however 
small  and  insignificant.  At  night,  they  all  went 
ashore  in  their  canoes. 

22.  In  the  morning,  the  admiral  sailed  along  the 
coast  of  the  island  towards  the  north-west.  The 
people  along  the  shore  ran  after  the  boats,  promis- 
ing to  bring  provisions,  and  calling  out  to  each 
other,  "  Come  and  see  the  men  who  have  come  from 
heaven.  Bring  them  victuals  and  drink."  They 
at  length  reached  a  peninsula,  where  there  were  six 
houses  of  the  Indians  with  pleasant  gardens  about 
them.  Columbus  thought  this  a  good  situation  for  a 
fort,  though  in  the  relation  drawn  up  for  the  sove- 
reigns of  Spain,  he  observes  that  he  sees  no  necessity 

What  metals  had  they  hanging  to  their  nostrils  7  21.  What  were 
they  anxious  to  possess  ?  22.  Where  did  Columbus  sail  the  next 
day? 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  49 

cf  fortifying  the  place,  as  the  people  are  simple  in 
warlike  matters,  and  he  could  conquer  the  whole 
of  them  with  fifty  men.  Near  this  place  were  beau- 
tiful groves  of  trees. 

23.  Columbus  took  seven  of  the  Indians  from 
these  parts,  and  returned  with  them  to  his  ships. 
Setting  sail,  they  discovered  such  a  large  number 
of  islands  that  they  did  not  know  which  to  visit  first. 
The  natives  they  had  taken  on  board,  informed  them, 
by  signs,  that  there  were  so  many  of  them  they  could 
not  be  numbered.  They  were  all  very  level,  very 
green,  fertile  and  populous.  On  Monday,  the  fif- 
teenth of  October,  they  reached  an  island  that  was 
about  seven  leagues  from  the  first  they  discovered, 
and  called  it  Santa  Maria  de  la  Conception.  The 
same  scenes  occurred  with  the  natives  as  with  those 
of  San  Salvador. 

24.  Columbus  expected  to  find  that  the  people 
here  wore  golden  bracelets  upon  their  arms  and 
ankles.  But  he  had  either  been  deceived,  or  had 
misunderstood  his  Indian  interpreters,  concerning 
the  riches  of  the  country.  While  here,  one  of  the 
seven  from  San  Salvador  escaped.  There  was  a 
large  canoe  near  the  Nina,  and  the  Indian  leaped 
overboard,  and  swam  to  it  The  natives,  in  the 
canoe,  rowed  for  the  shore  too  swiftly  to  be  oier- 

What  does  he  say  of  the  people  ?  23.  Whom  did  Columbus 
tfike  with  him  to  his  ships  ?  What  of  the  islands  discovered  ? 
What  name  was  given  to  one  of  them  ?  24.  What  did  Columbus 
»y*jeot  ?     Describe  the  escape  of  the  Indian. 

5  C 


50  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS 

taken.  The  Spaniards  landed  in  pursuit  of  them, 
when  they  left  their  canoe,  and  fled  with  precipitu 
tion.  The  canoe  was  brought  as  a  prize  on  board 
the  Nina. 

25.  Another  little  boat  now  arrived,  with  a  single 
man,  who  came  to  barter  some  cotton.  The  sailors, 
finding  him  unwilling  to  go  on  board,  jumped  into 
the  sea,  and  took  him.  Columbus  was  upon  the 
quarter  deck  of  his  vessel,  and  saw  the  whole  of 
the  occurrence.  He  immediately  sent  for  the  In- 
dian, put  a  red  cap  upon  his  head,  some  glass  beads 
about  his  arms,  and  two  hawk's  bells  in  his  ears. 
His  canoe  was  then  returned  to  him,  and  he  was 
despatched  towards  the  land.  All  this  was  done 
that  no  fear  nor  ill  will  might  be  excited  among  the 
natives  against  the  strangers. 

28.  He  then  left  the  island  of  Conception,  and 
steered  for  a  larger  island  which  lay  several  leagues 
to  the  west.  Being  about  midway  between  the  two, 
in  the  gulf  which  separated  them,  he  overtook  a 
native  in  a  canoe.  He  had  with  him  a  little  piece 
of  their  bread,  and  a  calabash  of  water,  for  his  sea 
stores ;  and  a  little  earth  like  vermilion,  to  paint 
his  body  with  when  he  should  reach  the  land.  He 
had,  besides,  a  few  dried  leaves,  of  a  kind  which 
were  very  much  valued  on  account  of  their  sweet 

25.  How  did  Columbus  treat  the  Indian  who  came  to  barter  cot- 
ton ?  Why  did  he  make  him  so  many  presents  ?  26.  What  hap- 
pened in  a  gulf  between  two  islands  ?     What  had  the  Indian  with 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  51 

scent;  a  string  of  beads  of  green  glass,  and  two" 
little  pieces  of  Portuguese  money.  It  was  evident 
that  he  was  going  to  carry  to  the  island  the  news 
of  the  Spaniards'  arrival.  The  admiral  took  hira 
on  board  one  of  the  ships,  and  treated  him  with  a 
great  deal  of  kindness,  so  thai  he  might  give  a 
favorable  account  of  them,  when  he  should  be  set 
ashore. 

27.  This  new  island  they  called  Fernandina. 
The  people  of  it  came  aboard,  and  trafficked  in  the 
same  kind  of  articles  as  the  other  Indians  had  done, 
They  seemed  to  have  made  a  little  more  improve 
ment  in  the  arts  of  life,  and  were  a  little  more  shrewd 
hi  their  bargains.  Some  trees  were  found  here 
which  appeared  to  have  been  grafted,  and  fishes  of 
various  shapes  and  beautiful  colors  were  gliding 
about  in  the  water.  There  were  no  land  animals 
but  snakes  and  lizards. 

28.  Finding  nothing  of  value  in  this  island,  Co- 
lumbus made  sail  for  another,  to  which  he  gave  the 
name  of  Isabella.  This  excelled  all  the  others  in 
beauty.  "  Every  thing,"  says  the  admiral,  "  looked 
as  green  as  April  in  Andalusia."  Groves  of  10% 
and  flourishing  trees  were  numerous,  overshadowing 
large  lakes  with  their  foliage  in  the  most  enchanting 
manner.     The  music  of  the  birds  was  delightful, 


I)i\l  the  admiral  treat  him  kindly  ?  27.  What  of  the  natives  of 
Fernandina?  Trees?  Fishes?  Animals?  23.  What  does  Co- 
lumbus say  of  the  is'ind  of  Isabella?     Describe  it. 


O'Z  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

and  the  diversity  of  their  appearance  was  very  strik 
ing.  There  were  a  thousand  different  shrubs  and 
fruit  trees,  of  a  delicious  odor.  Some  of  them  they 
carried  home  as  specimens. 

29.  They  remained  here  several  days  in  the  vain 
expectation  of  procuring  some  gold.  The  Indians 
had  told  them  stories  of  a  rich  king  dressed  in 
splendid  garments,  and  covered  with  golden  orna- 
ments, and  they  were  in  hopes  that  he  would  be  civil 
enough  to  visit  them,  and  bring  a  great  many 
valuable  things  with  him.  But  no  person  of  that 
description  appeared,  and  they  began  to  grow  tired 
of  waiting.  So,  taking  in  a  fresh  supply  of  water, 
they  determined  to  set  sail  for  some  other  island,  in 
search  of  the  rich  king  and  the  gold  mines. 

30.  At  midnight,  on  the  twenty-fourth  of  October, 
they  weighed  anchor,  and  sailed  from  the  north  part 
of  the  island  of  Isabella.  They  directed  their 
course  towards  Cuba,  where  they  expected  to  find  a 
great  trade,  abundance  of  gold  and  spices,  large 
ships,  and  rich  merchants.  From  the  accounts 
given  by  the  natives,  Columbus  inferred  that  this 
must  be  the  island  of  Cipango,  of  which  Marco  Polo 
had  said  so  many  marvellous  things. 

29.  Why  did  the  admiral  stay  so  long  in  this  island  ?  30. 
When  did  the  vessels  sail  from  the  island  of  Isabella  ?  In 
what  direction  did  they  go  1  Of  what  island  had  Marco  Polo 
said  so  much  1     What  is  it  now  callod  ? 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  53 


CHAPTER   IV. 


Cuba.  Village  of  Rio  de  Marcs.  Cape  of  Palms. 
Columbus  sends  Ambassadors  to  seek  the  King.  Their 
Return,  and  Account  of  their  Adventures.  Tobacco 
Reception  at  Hispaniola.  Visit  from  a  young  Ca- 
cique.    Shipwreck. 

1.  The  weather  being  calm  and  cloudy  for  a  day 
or  two,  the  ships  were  obliged  to  lie  by  a  considera- 
ble part  of  the  time,  so  that  they  did  not  reach  Cuba 
till  Sunday,  the  twenty-eighth.  They  entered  a  fine 
river  on  the  northern  coast,  with  twelve  fathoms 
depth  of  water  at  its  mouth.  Columbus  was  delight- 
ed with  the  prospect  here. 

2.  The  banks  of  the  river,  upon  both  sides,  were 
covered  with  trees  of  a  most  rich  and  luxuriant 
foliage,  and  with  beautiful  shrubs  and  flowers  of 
every  description.  They  ascended  the  river  some 
distance,  and  the  admiral  says  it  was  exceedingly 
pleasant  to  behold  the  delightful  verdure  which  pre- 
sented itself,  and  to  listen  to  the  songs,  and  admire 
the  variegated  plumage,  of  the  birds.  The  island 
was  full  of  pleasant  mountains,  and  the  grass  grew, 
long  and  green,  down  to  the  very  edge  of  the 
water. 

1.  When  did  the  ships  reach  Cuba  ?     2.     Describe  the  island. 

5* 


54  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

3.  On  the  next  day,  they  weighed  anchor,  and 
sailed  from  this  port  towards  the  west,  where  they 
expected  to  find  a  great  city,  which  was  the  resi- 
dence of  some  magnificent  king.  In  the  course  of 
the  voyage,  they  occasionally  landed,  and  visited 
several  villages.  One  of  these  was  upon  the  banks 
of  a  large  river,  to  which  they  gave  the  name  of 
Rjo  de  Mares.  The  people  on  shore  fled  at  their 
approach,  abandoning  their  goods  and  dwellings. 
Columbus  gave  orders  that  nothing  should  be  in- 
jured or  taken  away. 

4.  The  houses  were  of  a  large  size,  constructed 
in  the  shape  of  tents,  scattered  about  with  no  regu- 
larity of  streets.  They  found  here  several  statues, 
and  numerous  masks,  well  executed ;  but  it  did  not 
appear  whether  they  were  designed  for  ornament  or 
as  objects  of  worship.  They  found  some  tame  fowl 
about  the  houses,  and  a  collection  of  nets  and  fish- 
ing-hooks. The  sea,  at  the  mouth  of  the  river,  Co- 
lumbus says,  was  as  smooth  as  the  river  at  Seville, 
and  the  water  favorable  for  the  pearl  fishery. 

5.  Leaving  this  river,  and  sailing  to  the  north- 
west, they  discovered  a  cape,  to  which  they  gave 
the  name  of  the  Cape  of  Palms.  Columbus  had 
been  impressed  with  the  idea  that  he  had  reached  the 
island  of  Cipango,  till,  from  what  he  saw  and  heard, 

3.  What  did  Columbus  expect  to  find  ?  What  of  the  village  of 
Rio  de  Mares  ?  The  people  ?  4.  Houses  ?  What  was  found  in 
the  houses  1  5.  What  did  Columbus  conclude  from  what  he  sn* 
and  heard  ? 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBL'S.  55 

this  delusion  was  banished  for  another  equally  agree- 
able. He  concluded  that  he  must  have  reached  the 
main  land  of  India,  and  must  be  somewhere  in 
the  vicinity  of  Mangi  and  Cathay,  the  final  destina- 
tion of  his  voyage.  The  capital  of  Cathay  he  im- 
agined to  be  the  residence  of  the  Grand  Khan, 
whom  the  geographers  of  those  times  described  as  a 
monarch  of  great  power  and  magnificence. 

6.  Columbus  determined  to  send  two  ambassa- 
dors to  seek  the  neighboring  monarch  at  his  resi- 
dence. For  this  purpose  he  chose  two  Spaniards, 
whom  he  despatched  with  a  couple  of  Indians  as 
guides.  He  gave  them  strings  of  beads  to  purchase 
provisions,  and  directed  them  to  return  within  six 
days.  They  were  instructed  where  to  seek  for  the 
king,  and  what  to  tell  him.  The  ships  were  to  re- 
main where  they  were  till  the  ambassadors  came 
back. 

7.  On  the  morning  of  the  fourth  of  November, 
which  was  Sunday,  Columbus  went  ashore  to  shoot 
birds.  On  his  return,  Alonzo  Pinzon  brought  him 
two  pieces  of  cinnamon.  He  told  him,  at  the  same 
time,  that  a  Portuguese  on  board  his  vessel  had  seen 
an  Indian  with  two  large  handfuls  of  it,  together 
with  some  reddish  things  that  resembled  nutmegs, 
but  he  had  been  afraid  to  purchase  them,  on  ac- 
count of  the  prohibition  of  the  admiral. 

How  was  the  Grand  Khan  described  1  6.  What  did  the  admiral 
then  do  ?  7.  What  did  Alonzo  Pinzon  bring  him  ?  What  did  ha 
also  tell  hiin  1 


56  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

8.  The  boatswain  of  the  Pinta  also  declared  that 
he  had  seen  some  cinnamon  trees.  Columbus 
went  to  the  place  pointed  out,  and  found  none. 
The  natives  told  him  by  signs  that  much  pepper  and 
cinnamon,  together  with  large  quantities  of  gold 
and  pearls,  were  to  be  found  at  a  place  to  the  south- 
east, which  they  called  Bohio.  They  informed  him, 
too,  that,  at  a  distance,  there  were  men  with  only 
one  eye,  and  others  with  faces  like  dogs,  who  were 
man-eaters,  and  accustomed  to  kill  their  prisoners. 
Many  of  these  reports  were  probably  intentional 
deceptions,  and  most  of  them  exaggerated  and  mis- 
understood. 

9.  On  the  sixth  of  November,  the  men  who  had 
been  sent  into  the  country,  returned  with  the  fol- 
lowing relation.  After  travelling  about  a  dozen 
leagues,  they  arrived  at  a  town  of  some  fifty  houses, 
containing,  probably,  a  thousand  inhabitants,  who 
received  them  with  great  ceremony,  kissing  their 
hands  and  feet,  and  making  signs  of  wonder. 

10.  On  their  arrival  at  the  town,  they  were  led 
by  the  chief  men  of  the  place  to  the  largest  dwell- 
ing, where  they  were  provided  with  a  sort  of  chairs, 
the  Indians  sitting  in  a  circle  about  them  upon  the 
ground.  The  Indians  who  accompanied  the  Span- 
iards, then  gave  an  account  of  their  character,  and 


8.  What  did  the  natives  tell  Columbus  ?  Was  all  that  they 
said  probably  true  ?  9.  What  happened  to  the  men  who  had  been 
sent  by  Columbus  ?     10.  How  were  they  treated  by  the  natives  ? 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  57 

the  manner  in  which  they  Jived.  The  men  then 
left  the  place,  and  the  women  entered,  seating 
themselves  in  a  similar  manner,  and  kissing  the 
hands  and  feet  of  their  strange  visitors.  The  in- 
habitants of  every  village  upon  the  road  paid  them 
the  same  respect.  They  saw  many  sorts  of  trees 
and  fragrant  flowers,  a  variety  of  birds,  but  no 
quadrupeds,  except  some  dogs  which  did  not  bark. 

11.  On  their  way  back  to  the  ships,  the  Span- 
iards  saw  great  numbers  of  people,  of  both  sexess 
with  fire-brands  in  their  hands,  and  certain  herbs, 
which  were  dried,  and  rolled  in  a  dry  leaf.  Having 
lighted  these  rolls  at  one  end,  they  put  them  in  their 
mouths,  and  drew  the  smoke  through  them,  by 
sucking  at  the  other  end.  Those  tubes  they  called 
by  the  name  of  tabacos.  Little  did  they  think,  that 
this  custom,  which  struck  them  with  so  much 
astonishment,  would  soon  make  this  weed  one  of 
the  most  important  articles  of  commerce. 

12.  As  his  ambassadors  had  not  found  the  mag- 
nificent king  for  whom  he  was  in  search,  Columbus, 
on  the  thirteenth  of  November,  determined  to  sail 
eastward,  for  the  island  they  called  Bohio.  But,  the 
wind  blowing  hard,  he  was  obliged  to  come  to  an- 
chor again,  among  some  high  islands,  near  a  large 
port,  which   he  called  the  Prince's  Port.     These 

11.  Describe  the  Indians'  manner  of  smoking  tobacco  ?  12. 
When  did  Columbus  sail  for  the  island  of  Bohio.  Where  did  he 
come  to  anchor  ? 

C2 


58  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

islands  were  numerous,  and  adorned  with  multitudes 
of  beautiful  trees,  so  that  it  was  delightful  to  be 
among  them.  In  one  of  these  islands,  they  killed 
a  beast  like  a  badger,  and  in  the  sea,  they  found 
much  mother  of  pearl.  Among  other  sorts  offish 
that  they  caught,  was  one  like  a  swine,  covered  with 
a  very  hard  skin. 

13.  On  Monday,  the  19th  of  November,  the  ad- 
miral departed  from  the  Prince's  Port,  steering 
eastward  for  the  island  of  Bohio.  But,  the  wind 
being  unfavorable,  he  was  obliged  to  remain  two 
or  three  days,  plying  about  in  the  neighboring 
waters.  During  this  time,  Alonzo  Pinzon,  induced 
by  the  reports  of  some  Indians  he  had  concealed 
on  board  of  his  caravel,  and  disregarding  the  signals 
of  Columbus,  sailed  away  for  the  island  of  Bohio. 
Thus  the  admiral  was  left  with  only  two  ships,  and, 
the  weather  being  rough,  he  was  obliged  to  return 
to  Cuba.  All  the  Indians,  however,  directed  him  to 
Bohio.  He  accordingly  sailed  along  the  coast  to- 
wards the  south-east,  meeting  continually  with 
fine  ports  and  harbors.  He  had  no  intercourse 
with  the  natives  in  these  parts,  as  they  immediate- 
ly fled  upon  sight  of  the  vessels. 

14.  On  the  sixth  of  December,  they  reached  a 
port  in  the  island,  about  which  they  had  heard  so 

What  of  the  islands  1     13.  What  did    Alonzo    Pinzon    do 
What  did  Oolunrous  meet  with  along-  the  coast  ?     What  of  the 
natives  I    14.  Where  did  the  vessels  arrive  on  the  sixth  of  Decem- 
ber T 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  59 

much.  They  called  it  Port  St.  Nicholas,  in  honor 
of  the  saint  whose  festival  was  upon  that  day.  This 
harbor  was  broad,  deep,  safe,  and  encompassed  by 
tall  and  beautiful  trees.  Perceiving  that  the  island 
was  very  large,  and  that  the  land  and  trees  were 
like  those  of  Spain,  and  that  they  had  taken  in  its 
waters  several  fishes  like  those  of  Spain,  they  gave 
it  the  name  of  Hispaniola. 

15.  An  old  writer  gives  so  brief  and  quaint  an 
account  of  their  reception  at  this  place,  that  we 
cannot  do  better  than  extract  it  in  the  very  words 
of  his  earliest  translator :  "  Here  coming  first  to 
land,  they  saw  certain  men  of  the  island,  who,  per- 
ceiving an  unknown  nation  coming  towards  them, 
flocked  together,  and  ran  all  into  the  thick  woods, 
as  it  had  been  hares  coursed  with  greyhounds. 
Our  men,  pursuing  them,  took  only  one  woman, 
vvhom  they  brought  to  the  ships,  where,  filling  her 
»vith  meat  and  wine,  and  appareling  her,  they  let 
her  depart  to  her  company.  Shortly  after,  a  great 
multitude  of  them  came  running  to  the  shore  to  be- 
hold this  new  nation,  whom  they  thought  to  have 
descended  from  heaven.  They  cast  themselves  by 
heaps  into  the  sea,  and  came  swimming  to  the  ships, 
bringing  gold  with  them,  which  they  changed  with 
our  men  for  earthen  pots,  drinking  glasses,  points, 


Why  did  they  call  the  island  Hispaniola  1     15.  Repeat  the  ac- 
count that  av  old  writer  has  given  of  their  reception  at  this  place. 


60  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

pins,  hawk's   bells,  looking-glasses,  and  such   like 
trifles." 

16.  After  this  the  admiral  visited  an  island  which 
he  called  Tortugas,  from  its  abounding  in  turtle. 
But  having  again  anchored  near  a  village  on  the 
coast  of  Hispaniola,  he  was  visited  by  a  young  In- 
dian chief,  who  appeared  to  be  a  personage  of  great 
importance.  He  was  borne  by  four  men,  upon  a 
litter,  and  attended  by  two  hundred  followers. 
When  he  came  aboard,  Columbus  was  below,  at 
dinner.  The  Indian  immediately  made  signs  for 
his  attendants  to  remain  upon  deck,  and,  going  down 
without  any  ceremony,  seated  himself  by  the  side  of 
the  admiral.  Two  old  men,  that  appeared  to  be  his 
counsellors,  accompanied  him.  Columbus  ordered 
such  food  as  they  had  in  the  ship  to  be  laid  before 
them  ;  but  they  only  tasted  it,  and  sent  it  upon  deck 
to  their  followers.  Instead  of  drinking,  they  only 
kissed  the  cup,  and  passed  it  about. 

17.  After  the  repast,  one  of  his  attendants,  with 
great  respect,  brought  the  young  king  a  girdle,  and 
two  small  pieces  of  wrought  gold  :  these  he  took  in 
his  hand,  and  gave  to  Columbus.  The  admiral 
gave  him  in  return  a  counterpane,  that  was  lying 
upon  his  bed,  some  amber  beads  which  he  had 
about  his  neck,  a  pair  of  red  shoes,  and  a  bottle  of 


16.  What  island  did  the  admiral  next  visit  ?  What  of  the  young 
Indian  who  visited  Columbus  1  17.  What  present  did  he  make 
the  admiral  ?     What  was  given  him  in  return  ? 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  6! 

orange-flower  water.  Columbus  also  showed  him, 
and  the  two  old  men,  a  gold  medal,  on  which  the 
images  of  the  sovereigns  were  engraved,  the  royal 
standard,  and  that  of  the  cross.  They  were  much 
pleased  and  astonished  with  every  thing  they  saw 
Columbus  then  sent  them  ashore  in  his  boat,  and 
ordered  several  guns  to  be  fired. 

18.  On  the  twenty-fourth  of  December,  the 
weather  being  very  calm,  and  the  vessel  lying 
about  a  league  off  the  Holy  Cape,  Columbus,  at 
about  eleven  o'clock  at  night,  retired  to  rest.  It 
was  so  very  calm  that  the  man  whom  the  admiral 
had  left  in  charge  of  the  helm,  contrary  to  express 
orders,  committed  it  to  a  boy,  and  went  to  sleep. 
Columbus  says  that  the  sea  was  as  still  as  water  in 
a  dish,  so  that  there  was  not  a  seaman  awake  on 
board  of  the  ship.  The  current  carried  them  direct- 
ly upon  breakers  that  were  roaring  with  a  noise 
that  might  have  been  heard  a  league  off 

19.  When  the  rudder  struck,  the  fellow  at  the 
helm  cried  out,  and  Columbus  immediately  awoke, 
and  ran  upon  deck.  The  master,  whose  watch  it 
was,  then  came  out,  and  the  admiral  ordered  him 
and  the  other  sailors  to  take  the  boat,  and  carry 
Dut  an  anchor  astern.  But,  instead  of  obeying  his 
command,  on  leaping  into  the  boat,  they  rowed  ofi 


In  what  manner  did  the  Indians  return  to  the  shore  ?  18.  What 
happened  on  the  24th  of  December  ?  19.  How  did  the  master 
and  sailors  behave  on  receiving-  the  commands  of  Columbus  ? 

6 


6-1  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

to  the  other  caravel,  which  was  at  that  time  half  a 
league  distant.  On  perceiving  this  desertion,  Co- 
lumbus ordered  the  masts  to  be  cut  away,  and  the 
vessel  lightened  as  much  as  possible.  But  their 
efforts  were  entirely  vain.  She  continued  fast 
aground,  and  was  rapidly  filling  with  water. 

20.  The  men  on  board  the  other  caravel  would 
not  receive  the  deserters  in  the  boat,  but  oblige  <1 
them  to  put  back  to  their  own  ship.  As  it  was  im 
possible,  by  this  time,  to  preserve  the  vessel,  Colum- 
bus was  only  anxious  to  save  the  men.  They  went 
to  the  other  caravel,  and  on  the  succeeding  day, 
with  the  assistance  of  the  natives,  and  their  canoes, 
they  preserved  every  thing  of  value. ,  The  Indians 
were  very  honest  and  kind.  Columbus  says  that 
every  thing  was  guarded  by  them  with  extreme  care, 
at  the  express  order  of  the  king.  The  people  were 
very  diligent  in  assisting  him,  and  lamented  as 
much  as  if  the  loss  had  been  their  own. 


What  was  the  consequoi.ee  of  their  desertion  1    20.  Who  aided 
Columbus  in  preserving  the  articles  belonging  to  the  ship  ? 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  83 


CHAPTER  V. 


Visit  from  the  King.  Visit  to  the  Shore.  Columbus 
selects  a  Site  for  a  Fortress.  Dines  ivith  the  King. 
Sails  from  La  Navidad.  Monte  Christi.  Rejoined 
by  the  Pinta.  Skirmish  -with  the  Indians.  Sail  fo? 
Spain.  Tempest.  Reach  St.  Mary.  Singular  Ad- 
venture. Violent  Storm.  Visit  to  the  King  of  Por- 
tugal.    Arrival  at  Pahs. 

1.  The  chief  king  of  the  place  gave  the  adven- 
turers three  houses,  in  which  to  store  all  the  articles 
they  had  taken  from  the  ship.  While  he  was  on  a 
visit  to  Columbus,  on  board  of  the  remaining  caravel, 
a  canoe  came  with  some  Indians  from  another  island, 
who  brought  a  few  plates  of  gold  to  exchange  foi 
bells.  The  seamen  also  upon  shore  returned  with 
the  story,  that  a  number  of  Indians  had  resorted  to 
the  town,  with  gold,  which  they  were  glad  to  ex- 
change for  any  articles  the  Europeans  would  give 
them. 

2.  The  king,  perceiving  how  desirous  the  admi- 
ral was  to  procure  gold,  gave  him  to  understand 
that  there  was  a  place  in  the  neighborhood,  where 
it  was  to  be  procured  in  great  abundance.  Having 
taken  a  repast  on  board  the  caravel,  the  king,  ac- 

1 .  What  (fid  the  king-  of  the  place  give  to  Columbus  and  his 
men  ?  What  did  the  Indians  bring  to  exchange  wiih  the  Span- 
iards ?     2.  What  did  the  king  do  1 


()4  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

companied  by  Columbus,  returned  to  the  shore. 
He  treated  the  admiral  with  every  honor,  feasting 
him  with  several  sorts  of  shrimps,  game,  and  other 
viands,  and  with  the  bread  which  they  called  cas- 
savi.  He  afterwards  conducted  him  into  an  arbor 
near  his  house,  where  they  were  attended  by  more 
than  a  thousand  persons.  The  king  wore  a  shirt 
and  a  pair  of  gloves,  which  Columbus  had  presented 
to  him,  and  with  which  he  was  very  much  pleased. 
He  was  very  neat  in  his  manner  of  taking  food, 
rubbing  his  hands  with  certain  herbs,  and  washing 
them  after  the  repast. 

3.  They  then  went  down  to  the  shore,  when  Co- 
lumbus sent  for  a  Turkish  bow  and  some  arrows 
These  were  given  to  one  of  his  crew,  who  happened 
to  be  very  expert  in  their  use.  The  people  were 
astonished  with  this  exhibition,  as  they  knew  noth- 
ing of  these  weapons ;  but  they  spoke  of  some 
people  called  Caribs,  who  were  accustomed  to  come 
and  attack  them  with  bows  and  arrows.  Upon 
which  Columbus  told  the  king,  that  the  sovereigns 
of  Castile  would  send  people  to  fight  against  the 
Caribs,  and  take  them  prisoners. 

4.  By  order  of  Columbus,  several  guns  were  then 
fired.  The  king  was  astonished,  and  his  followers 
were  very  much  frightened,  falling  upon  the  ground 

How  did  he  treat  the  admiral?  Describe  the  king's  dress. 
Behavior.  3.  What  people  were  spoken  of  as  using1  bows  and 
arrows  in  war  ?  What  did  Columbus  tell  the  king  ?  4.  How  were 
the  "Indians  affected  by  the  firing  of  the  guns  1 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 


Showing  the  Indians  the  use  of  the  bcw  and  ami* 
4 


GG  LIFE  OF  COLUMEUS. 

in  terror  and  wonder.  Afterwards,  a  mask  was 
brought,  with  pieces  of  gold  at  the  eyes  and  ears, 
and  in  other  places.  This  was  given  to  the  admi- 
ral, together  with  other  jewels  of  gold,  which  were 
placed  upon  his  head  and  neck. .  Many  other  pres- 
ents were  also  made  to  the  Spaniards.  All  these 
things  contributed  to  lessen  the  grief  of  the  admiral 
at  having  lost  his  vessel ;  and  he  began  to  be  con- 
vinced that  the  accident  had  providentially  hap- 
pened, in  order  that  this  place  might  be  selected 
for  a  settlement. 

5.  Many  of  his  crew  were  very  desirous  to  re- 
main, and  the  admiral  accordingly  chose  a  situation 
for  a  fort.  He  thought  this  necessary,  because  the 
territory  was  at  such  a  distance  from  Spain,  that 
the  natives  ought  to  be  held  "  in  obedience,  by  fear 
as  well  as  by  love."  The  Spaniards  were  so  active 
in  building  the  fort,  and  the  Indians  so  diligent  in 
assisting  them,  that  it  was  erected  in  ten  days.  A 
large  vault  was  dug,  over  which  a  strong  tvooden 
tower  was  built,  and  the  whole  surrounded  by  a 
wide  ditch. 

6.  In  the  account  of  the  voyage,  drawn  up  for 
his  sovereigns,  Columbus  says  that  he  hopes,  on  his 
return  from  Castile,  to  find  a  ton  of  gold  collected 
by  the  men  left  here,  by  trading  with  the  natives ; 


What  presents  were  made  to  the  admiral  1  What  effect  had 
they  upon  him  ?  5.  Why  did  he  think  it  necessary  to  build  a  fort  ? 
Describe  it.  6.  What  does  Columbus  say  of  his  expectations  at 
this  time  1 


The  Indians  visiting  Columbus 


'I'll*-  lii«Jiii>i«  shooting  at  the  Spaniards  with  Mieii 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  67 

and  that  he  believes  they  will  have  discovered 
mines  and  spices  in  snch  abundance,  that  before 
three  years,  the  king  and  queen  may  undertake 
the  recovery  of  the  Holy  Sepulchre.  "  For  I  have 
before  protested  to  your  majesties,"  says  he,  "  that 
the  profits  of  this  enterprise  shall  be  employed  in 
the  conquest  of  Jerusalem,  at  which  your  majesties 
smiled,  and  said  you  were  pleased,  and  had  the 
same  inclinations." 

7.  On  Sunday,  the  thirtieth  of  December,  Co- 
lumbus dined  on  shore  with  five  kings,  who  were 
all  subject  to  Guacanagari,  the  chief  king,  before 
mentioned,  and  who  all  wore  their  crowns,  and 
went  in  great  state.  Guacanagari  came  to  receive 
him  on  landing,  and  led  him  by  the  arm  to  the 
house  where  seats  had  been  prepared  for  him  and 
his  people.  He  then  took  the  crown  from  his  own 
head,  and  placed  it  upon  the  head  of  the  admiral  ; 
who,  in  return,  made  him  presents  of  a  collar  of 
beautiful  beads,  and  a  splendid  scarlet  cloak.  He 
then  sent  for  a  pair  of  buskins,  which  he  put  upon 
the  king's  feet,  and  a  silver  ring,  which  he  put 
upon  his  finger.  The  king  was  greatly  pleased 
with  these  gifts ;  and  two  of  the  other  chiefs  came 
to  the  admiral,  and  gave  him  each  a  large  plate  of 
gold. 

8.  On  the  second  of  January,  Columbus  went  on 

How  were  the  profits  of  the  enterprise  to  be  employed  1 
7.  Relate  the  reception  of  Columbus  \>y  the  king-s,  and  the  pres- 
ents that  wpre  interchanged. 


08  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

shore  to  take  leave  of  the  king.  In  order  to  keep 
the  Indians  in  fear,  he  determined  to  give  them  an 
instance  of  the  power  of  fire-arms.  Ke  ordered  one 
of  the  cannon  to  be  loaded,  and  fired  against  the 
side  of  the  ship  which  was  on  shore.  The  shot 
passed  through  her,  and  struck  the  sea  at  some  dis- 
tance. This  was  under  the  pretence  of  showing 
the  natives  the  manner  in  which  they  would  defend 
them  against  the  Caribs.  The  king  was  much  af- 
fected at  parting  with  the  Spaniards,  and  expressed 
a  great  deal  of  regret. 

9.  Columbus  left  in  the  island  thirty-nine  men, 
with  biscuit  and  wine  for  a  year,  and  seed  for 
sowing.  He  left  them  goods  to  traffic  with,  and 
the  long-boat  of  the  ship,  that  they  might  cruise 
about  the  island  to  discover  the  gold  mines.  Among 
the  men  were  a  carpenter  and  gunner,  a  cooper,  a 
durgeon,  and  a  tailor.  Over  this  body  he  placed 
Diego  de  Arana  and  Pedro  Gutierrez.  Columbus 
gave  the  fortress,  the  adjacent  village  and  the  har- 
bor the  name  of  La  Navidad,  or  The  Nativity. 
This  was  in  memory  of  their  having  escaped  from 
shipwreck  on  Christmas  day. 

10.  It  was  on  the  fourth  of  January  that  Colum- 
bus set  sail  from  La  Navidad.  He  continued  along 
the   coast   eastwardly,   in   the   direction   of  a   tall 

What  instance  of  the  power  of  fire-arms  did  the  admiral  give 
the  Indians  ?  9.  How  many  men  remained  on  the  island  ?  Whn 
were  placed  over  them  1  Why  was  the  settlement  cal'cd  [.a 
Navidad  ?     10.  When  did  Columbus  again  set  sail  1 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  69 

mountain,  shaped  like  a  tent,  to  which  he  gave  the 
name  of  Monte  Christi.  The  wind  was  light,  and 
they  were  not  able  to  reach  it.  After  being  detain- 
ed a  short  time,  they  again  sailed  along  the  coast 
which  runs  to  the  east.  The  wind  blowing  strong 
in  the  afternoon,  a  sailor  was  sent  to  the  mast  head 
to  look  out  for  the  rocks.  He  soon  cried  out  that 
he  beheld  the  Pinta,  at  a  distance,  bearing  down 
upon  them  before  the  wind.  The  admiral  imme- 
diately put  about  for  the  harbor  of  Monte  Christi, 
and  was  followed  by  the  other  caravel. 

11.  Pinzon  came  on  board  the  Nina,  and  made 
some  frivolous  excuse  for  his  misconduct,  with 
which  the  admiral  pretended  to  be  satisfied.  The 
true  reason  was  a  sudden  impulse  of  avarice,  not  at 
all  consistent  with  the  general  character  of  the 
man.  It  was  now  the  admiral's  desire  to  coast 
along  the  whole  island  of  Hispaniola.  Remember- 
ing, however,  that  the  captains  of  the  two  caravels 
were  brothers,  and  that  they  had  a  party  attached 
to  them  disposed  to  disobey  his  commands,  he 
determined  to  return  to  Spain  as  quickly  as  pos- 
sible. 

12.  While  the  vessels  were  coasting  about  the 
Islands,  waiting  for  a  favorable  wind,  the  boat  was 
sent  ashore  upon  one  of  them  to  procure  provision. 
The  men  landed  upon  a  beach,  where  they  found 

What  of  Monte  Christi  1  By  what  vessel  were  they  joined  > 
11.  Why  had  Pinzon  left  the  admiral  1  What  did  Columbus  do 
t  ermine  to  do? 


70  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

several  Indians  with  bows  and  arrows.  They  en- 
tered into  conversation  with  them,  purchased  their 
arms,  and  persuaded  one  of  them  to  go  on  board  the 
caravel.  This  man  was  of  a  very  disagreeable  ap- 
pearance, having  his  face  smutted  with  charcoal, 
and  his  long  hair  gathered  and  knotted  behind,  and 
ornamented  with  parrots'  feathers.  The  admiral 
supposed  him  to  be  one  of  the  Caribs,  who  were 
described  by  the  other  Indians  as  man-eaters. 

13.  The  Indian,  having  been  feasted  and  pre- 
sented with  glass  beads,  and  pieces  of  red  and  green 
cloth,  was  sent  upon  shore.  When  the  boat  reached 
the  land,  they  discovered  among  the  woods  about 
fifty  armed  natives,  all  naked,  with  coarse  long 
hair,  and  the  back  part  of  their  heads  adorned  with 
feathers.  The  Indian  in  the  boat  landed,  and  joined 
them,  and  persuaded  them  to  lay  down  their  bows 
and  swords.  The  crew  then  began  to  traffic  with 
them  for  their  arms.  They  sold  two  bows,  and 
then  refused  to  part  with  any  more,  running  back 
for  their  arms,  and  cords,  as  if  to  bind  their  pris- 
oners. But  on  their  return,  the  Spaniards  fell  upon 
them,  and  wounded  several.  The  Indians  were  im- 
mediately terrified,  and  fled,  leaving  their  weapons 
scattered  up  and  down  in  every  direction.  Colum- 
bus was  rather  pleased  with  this  adventure,  because 

12.  Describe  the  Indian  who  went  on  board  the  caravel.  Of  what 
nation  was  he  supposed  to  be  ?  13.  What  happened  between 
i he  Spaniards  and  natives  when  they  reached  the  shore  ?  Why 
was  Columbus  plea-ed  with  the  adventure  ? 


LITE  OF  COLtTMi  t'S  7  I 

these  Indians,  whom  he  believed  to  be  the  man- 
eaters,  would  entertain  a  dread  of  the  Spaniards, 
and  be  fearful  of  offending  the  men  he  had  left  at 
La  Navidad. 

14.  The  next  day,  a  great  many  of  the  natives 
were  seen  on  shore,  and  Columbus  sent  the  boat 
well  armed  to  the  land.  They  crowded  about  her, 
and  their  king  with  three  of  his  men  went  on  board 
the  caravel.  Columbus  gave  them  bread  and  honey, 
and  presented  the  king  with  a  red  cap,  some  beads, 
and  some  red  cloth.  The  king  promised  that  on 
the  following  day  he  would  bring  him  a  mask  of 
gold,  and  told  him  that  there  was  much  of  that 
metal  both  there  and  in  Carib  and  Matinino. 

15.  After  cruising  about  among  the  islands  till 
the  sixteenth  of  the  month,  the  wind  freshened,  and 
blew  favorably  for  their  return  to  Spain.  The 
crews  grew  fearful  on  account  of  the  leaky  state 
of  the  vessels,  and  began  to  wish  for  a  return  home. 
Columbus,  accordingly,  steered  directly  for  Spain, 
shaping  his  course  north-east  by  east. 

16.  No  incidents  of  particular  interest  occurred 
upon  their  voyage,  till  about  the  twelfth  of  Febru- 
ary. Then  the  wind  began  to  blow  very  furiously, 
with  a  swelling  sea ;  and  if  the  caravels  had  not  been 
good  vessels,  they  would  certainly  have  perished. 
All  the  next  day  they  had  a  very  heavy  sea,  and 

14.  What  took  place  the  next  clay?  15.  When  did  Columbus 
set  out  for  Spain  1  16.  What  happened  on  the  twelfth  of  Feb- 
ruary ?     Describe  '.he  increase  of  the  storm 


TZ  LIFE  OF  COLUMIiUS. 

strong  wind.  The  wind  continued  to  increase  in 
violence,  and  the  waves  crossed  and  dashed  against 
each  other  with  great  fury.  On  the  following 
night,  the  caravels  lost  sight  of  each  other,  and  the 
signals  they  had  agreed  upon  were  no  longer  percep- 
tible, from  the  darkness  and  violence  of  the  storm. 
17.  On  the  succeeding  day,  the  tempest  became 
even  more  terrible.  Columbus  then  ordered  that 
lots  should  be  cast,  for  one  of  them  to  make  a  pil- 
grimage to  St.  Mary  of  Guadaloupe,  and  carry  a  wax 
taper  of  five  pounds  weight.  Each  one  then  swore 
that  if  the  lot  fell  upon  him,  he  would  perform  the 
pilgrimage.  A  number  of  beans  were  then  selected, 
and,  one  of  them  being  marked  with  a  cross,  they 
were  shaken  together  in  a  cap.  Columbus  was  the 
first  to  put  in  his  hand,  and  the  bean  he  drew  was 
the  crossed  one.  From  this  moment  he  felt  himself 
religiously  bound  to  perform  the  pilgrimage.  Two 
other  lots  were  drawn,  and  one  of  these  also  fell 
upon  Columbus.  This  laid  him  under  a  vow  to 
watch  a  whole  night  in  St.  Clara  de  Moguer,  and 
have  a  mass  said  there.  The  admiral  and  all  the 
mariners  then  made  a  vow  to  go  in  procession, 
barefooted,  and  clothed  in  penitential  garments,  to 
the  first  church  dedicated  to  the  Holy  Virgin  which 
they  should  meet,  and  there  offer  up  their  devo- 
tions. 

57-  For  what  did  the  men  cast  lots  ?  Describe  the  drawing  of 
uie  lots.  What  two  services  had  Columbus  to  perform  ?  What 
<wv  was  made  by  the  admiral  and  all  the  sailors  ? 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  73 

18.  The  storm  raged  with  unabated  fury,  ard 
Columbus  was  fearful  that  they  should  all  perish  in 
the  waves,  and  that  all  their  important  discoveries 
would  be  lost  to  the  world  forever.  In  order  to 
perpetuate  a  knowledge  of  the  circumstances  of  the 
voyage,  he  wrote  upon  parchment  a  full  account  of 
them,  entreating  the  finder  to  carry  it  to  the  sove- 
reigns of  Spain.  This  parchment  was  rolled  up  in 
a  wax  covering,  and  well  secured.  It  was  then 
placed  in  a  large  wooden  cask,  and  thrown  into  the 
sea.  The  crew  we-e  told  nothing  of  its  contents, 
and  presumed  it  to  be  some  act  of  devotion. 

19.  The  wind  became,  by  degrees,  less  violent, 
and  the  sea  somewhat  less  turbulent,  and  at  sunset 
on  the  fifteenth,  the  sky  began  to  grow  clear  in 
the  west.  At  night  on  the  sixteenth,  they  saw  an 
island  which  they  could  not  distinguish  on  account 
of  the  clouds.  It  was  not  till  after  sunset  on  the 
eighteenth  that  they  could  have  any  communication 
with  the  people  on  shore.  They  found  the  island 
to  be  St.  Mary,  one  of  the  Azores.  Three  men 
came  on  board,  bringing  fowls  and  new  bread, 
which  they  said  were  sent  by  the  governor  of  the 
island,  who  professed  good  will  to  Columbus,  and 
promised  to  visit  him  on  the  following  morning. 

20.  Columbus  ordered  that  every  respect  should 

18.  What  did  Columbus  wrile  and  Ihtow  into  trie  sea?  19 
When  had  the  storm  abated  sufficiently  for  tlieni  to  communicate 
with  the  natives  of  one  of  the  Azores  '!  What  of  the  governor  of 
the  island  7 

7  >> 


"4  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

be  shown  to  the  messengers,  and,  as  the  town  was 
distant,  they  were  invited  to  spend  the  night  on 
board  the  ship.  On  the  morrow,  he  remembered 
ttie  vow  they  had  made  in  the  hour  of  danger,  and 
directed  that  half  the  crew  should  go  and  fulfil  it  at 
a  hermitage  near  the  shore,  and  himself  with  the 
other  half  afterwards.  The  crew  proceeded,  ac- 
cordingly, in  penitential  garments,  to  offer  up  their 
devotions.  They  had  hardly  arrived  at  the  hermit- 
age, when  they  were  attacked,  and  taken  prisoners. 
As  this  took  place  where  it  could  not  be  seen  from 
the  caravel,  Columbus  remained  entirely  without 
suspicion  of  the  outrage. 

21 .  About  eleven  o'clock,  however,  seeing  nothing 
of  his  men,  he  began  to  suspect  that  they  were 
either  detained  by  the  Portuguese,  or  that  their 
boat  had  been  wrecked  on  its  passage  to  the  shore. 
He  ordered  the  anchor  to  be  weighed,  and  they 
made  sail  till  they  could  command  a  view  of  the 
hermitage  and  the  adjacent  shore.  He  here  be- 
held a  number  of  armed  horsemen,  who  dismounted, 
and  made  for  the  caravel.  The  governor  of  the 
island  was  in  the  boat  with  them,  and  demanded  se- 
curity of  the  admiral  in  case  he  should  enter  the 
caravel.  Columbus  promised  him  personal  safety, 
but  demanded  why  none  of  the  Spaniards  were  in 

20.  What  did  Columlms  send  half  the  men  to  perform  ?  What 
took  place  unknown  to  him?  21.  Where  did  the  admiral  sail'' 
Relate  the  conversation  between  the  admiral  and  the  Portuguese 
governor. 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  H> 

die  boat,  when  they  had  gone  ashore  by  a  sped;:, 
invitation,  and  welcome  from  the  governor.  He  then 
informed  him  of  the  dignities  he  held  from  the 
Spanish  sovereigns,  and  displayed,  at  a  distance,  his 
signed  and  sealed  commission.  The  governor  told 
him  that  he  knew  nothing  about  the  king  or  queen 
of  Castile,  or  their  commissions,  and  careu  &o  mut , 
but  that  he  would  ibow  tne  Spaniards  what  the 
Portuguese  were. 

22.  Columbus  was  then  led  to  fear  that  war  had 
broken  out  between  the  two  kingdoms,  during  his 
absence,  and  he  answered  the  governor  in  su»h  lan- 
guage as  his  conduct  deserved.  The  governed  then 
rose  in  the  boat,  and  ordered  Columbus  to  proceed 
with  his  caravel  to  the  harbor ;  adding,  that  all  he 
had  done  was  by  the  direction  of  the  king  his  mas- 
ter. The  admiral  then  called  upon  the  seamen,  on 
board  his  vessel,  to  bear  witness  to  these  proceed- 
ings, and  told  the  governor  that  he  would  not  leave 
the  caravel  till  he  had  carried  a  hundred  Portu- 
guese piisoners  to  Castile,  and  depopulated  tfe 
island. 

23  The  weather  became  stormy  and  the  se» 
turbuient,  and  the  harbor  of  St.  Mary  was  so  verj 
rocky,  that  the  admiral  feared  their  cables  would  be 
cut.  He,  therefore,  ordered  the  casks  to  be  filled 
with  water  from  the  sea  for  ballast,  and  sailed  for 

22.  What  did  Columbus  fear  ?  What  did  the  governor  tell  the 
admiral  ?  What  reply  did  the  admiral  make  ?  23.  Why  did  not 
Columbus  sail  for  St.  Mary  1 


7(>  LIKE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

the  island  of  St.  Michael.  The  storm  was  very 
violent,  and  they  had  but  three  experienced  sailors 
on  board  the  caravel.  At  sunrise  of  the  next  day, 
not  seeing  land,  they  resolved  to  return  to  St.  Mary, 
and  attempt  the  recovery  of  the  crew,  with  the  boat 
and  anchors. 

24.  They  anchored  at  the  same  point  in  the  har- 
bor that  they  had  occupied  before.  In  a  short  time, 
a  man  came  clambering  down  the  side  of  the  rocks, 
opposite  to  the  vessel,  and  cried  out  for  them  not  to 
leave  the  place.  The  governor  then  sent  out  a  boat, 
with  a  notary,  to  request  leave  to  examine  the  com- 
missions of  Columbus,  in  order  to  be  assured  that 
he  sailed  under  the  protection  of  the  sovereigns  of 
Castile.  The  admiral  knew  that  this  was  only  a 
pretence,  in  order  to  recede  with  safety  from  the 
dangerous  position  he  had  taken,  but,  in  order  to 
regain  his  men,  conceded  it  without  hesitation. 
He  displayed  his  commissions,  and  treated  the  mes- 
sengers of  the  king  with  respect.  Those  of  the 
crew  who  had  been  detained  were  then  released, 
and  came  on  board  in  the  boat. 

25.  On  the  voyage  from  St.  Mary,  they  were 
again  exposed  to  continual  storms.  They  onco 
more  drew  lots  for  the  performance  of  a  penitential 
vow,  and  the  lot  fell  again  upon  Columbus.  The 
whole  crew  also  made  a  vow  to  fast  upon  bread  and 

For  what  island  did  he  stoer  ?  24.  Where  did  the  vessel  an 
chor  ?  What  did  the  governor  then  do  ?  How  did  Columbus  treci 
the  messengers  7     25.  For  what  did  the  crew  draw  lots  ? 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  77 

water  the  first  Saturday  after  their  arrival.  On  the 
morning  of  the  fourth  of  March,  they  saw  before 
them  the  rock  of  Cintra,  near  Lisbon.  The  storm 
was  so  violent  that  the  admiral  determined  to  enter 
there.  He  states  that  the  people  on  shore  assem- 
bled in  crowds,  offering  up  prayers  for  their  safety, 
and  wondering  at  their  escape. 

26.  At  three  o'clock  they  arrived  at  R-astello, 
upon  the  Tagus,  and  were  informed  by  the  seamen 
of  the  place  that  so  stormy  a  winter  had  never  been 
known.  Columbus  immediately  wrote  to  the  king 
of  Portugal,  informing  him  that  he  had  come  from 
the  Indies,  and  not  from  Guinea,  and  requesting 
permission  for  his  caravel  to  proceed  to  Lisbon. 
The  reason  of  this  was,  that  there  wen  rumors 
about,  that  the  ship  contained  large  quantities  of 
gold,  and  he  was  afraid  that  the  people  of  that 
place  would  commit  some  act  of  outrage. 

27.  Large  numbers  crowded  from  Lisbon  to  see 
the  ship,  and  talk  with  the  mariners  upon  the  won- 
ders of  their  voyage.  Knights  and  noblemen  visited 
Columbus,  and  he  received  a  letter  from  the  king 
of  Portugal,  inviting  him  to  an  interview.  They 
met  at  Valparaiso,  a  place  about  nine  leagues  from 
Lisbon.  The  king  received  him  with  every  mark 
of  honor,  and  insisted  upon  his  being  seated  in  his 

What  rock  did  they  see  on  the  fourth  of  March  ?  26.  At  what 
place  did  they  arrive  ?  Why  did  Columbus  write  to  the  king  of 
Portugal?  27.  How  were  the  admiral  and  his  men  treated  f 
Where  did  Columbus  meet  the  king  ?     How  was  he  received  7 


7S  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

presence — a  favor  seldom  granted  but  to  men  of  the 
very  highest  rank.  He  expressed  great  pleasure  at 
the  success  of  the  voyage,  and  remarked  that  he 
supposed,  from  the  terms  of  the  agreement  between 
nimself  and  the  Spanish  sovereigns,  the  new  ac- 
quisitions belonged  to  him.  Columbus  told  him 
that  he  knew  nothing  about  that  agreement,  except 
that  his  orders  had  been  not  to  go  to  any  port  of 
Guinea,  and  that  these  had  been  published  before 
the  voyage. 

28.  There  were  courtiers  about  the  king  base 
enough  to  propose  that  Columbus  should  be  assas- 
sinated, in  order  to  secure  to  the  Portuguese  the 
benefits- of  his  discoveries.  This  was  under  an  im- 
pression that  if  Columbus  were  taken  away,  the 
Castilians  would  not  prosecute  these  voyages.  But 
the  prince  revolted  with  indignation  from  the 
thought,  and  offered  the  admiral  every  thing  that 
he  wanted,  or  that  could  contribute  to  his  conve 
nience  and  comfort.  He  parted  from  him  with  the 
same  kindness  with  which  he  had  welcomed  him. 
The  queen  also  treated  him  with  similar  courtesy  and 
favor,  as  he  passed  by  the  convent  of  St.  Antonio. 

29.  On  Friday,  the  fifteenth  of  March,  at  about 
noon,  Columbus  entered  and  anchored  in  the  har- 
bor of  Palos. 


What  conversation  took  place  between  Columbus  and  the  king? 
23.  What  base  proposition  was  made  to  the  king  ?  How  did  he 
behave  to  Columbus  1  What  of  the  queen  '?  29.  In  what  harbor 
did  Columbus  anchor  ? 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  79 


CHAPTER  VI. 

Joy  at  Palos.  Arrival  of  Pinzon,  and  lus  Death.  Entry 
of  Columbus  into  Barcelona.  Reception  by  the  Sove- 
reigns. Anecdote.  Departure  oil  the  second  Voyage. 
Dominica.  St.  Mary  of  Guadaloupe.  Adventure  of 
Diego  Marque.     Skirmish  icith  the  Islanders. 

1.  We  may  well  imagine  the  joy  and  confusion 
excited  in  Palos  by  the  arrival  of  one  of  the  ships 
of  the  expedition.  The  circumstances  under 
which  the  little  fleet  had  been  fitted  out,  were  still 
fresh  in  the  minds  of  the  inhabitants.  The  voyage 
upon  which  they  had  been  destined  was  considered 
as  one  of  almost  impious  rashness,  and  the  adven- 
turers were  looked  upon  as  men  self-doomed  to  a 
terrible  and  mysterious  fate.  Each  one  of  them 
was  connected  by  a  near  tie  of  kindred  to  some 
citizens  of  the  little  seaport.  They  were  all 
brothers,  or  fathers,  or  sons.  Well,  then,  may  there 
have  been  gladness  and  rejoicing  at  their  return. 

2.  The  whole  town  joined  in  a  solemn  celebra- 
tion of  their  return,  giving  praise  and  thanksgiving 
to  Heaven,  and  joining  in  a  grand  procession  to  the 
principal  church,  to  offer  up  their  devotions.  Co- 
lumbus was  received  with  shouts  and  acclamations, 

1.  How  were  the  adventurers  received  at  Falos  ?  What  feel 
lngs  had  been  excited  at  their  departure  on  the  voyage  ?  2.  How 
was  their  return  celebrated. 


80  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

and  such  honors  as  were  usually  paid  to  sovereigns. 
"  What  a  contrast  was  this,"  says  a  beautiful  writer 
of  our  own  country,  "  to  his  departure  a  few  months 
before,  followed  by  murmurs  and  exclamations ! 
or,  rather,  what  a  contrast  to  his  first  arrival  at  Pa- 
los,  a  poor  pedestrian,  craving  bread  and  water  for 
his  child  at  the  gate  of  a  convent  \" 

3.  In  the  midst  of  the  general  exultation,  His 
Pinta  unexpectedly  arrived.  In  the  night  of  the 
first  tempest,  she  had  been  driven  by  a  violent 
south  wind,  and  with  much  difficulty  had  reached 
a  port  in  Galicia.  When  Pinzon  saw  that  the  ad- 
miral had  arrived  before  him,  he  was  afraid  of 
being  made  to  answer  for  his  disobedience  and  de- 
sertion. In  a  few  days,  from  mortification  and  cha- 
grin, he  became  very  weak  and  sick,  and,  in  a  short 
time,  he  died.  He  was  one  of  the  greatest  naviga- 
tors of  his  age,  and  had  done  every  thing  to  promote 
the  embarkation  of  Columbus.  But,  in  a  moment 
of  weakness,  he  was  tempted  to  yield  to  a  single 
mean  and  unworthy  impulse,  which  covered  his 
memory  with  shame. 

4.  After  the  first  expressions  of  joy  and  admira- 
tion, Columbus  departed  for  Seville.  From  this 
place  he  sent  a  message  to  Barcelona,  where  the 
king  and  queen  at  that  time  resided,  to  lay  before 
them  a  brief  account  of  his  voyage,  and  to  receive 

What  does  a  beautiful  writer  say  on  the  subject  1  3.  When* 
did  the  Pinta  arrive  ?  What  of  Pinzon  ?  4.  Where  did  Colum 
bus  go  next  ?     Where  did  the  king  and  queen  reside  ? 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS 


Columbus  appearing  before  the  King  and  Quecrv 


D2 


82  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

from  them  an  indication  of  their  royal  will.  In  re- 
ply, they  requested  him  to  repair,  with  all  speed,  to 
Barcelona,  and  to  furnish,  as  soon  as  possible,  an 
estimate  of  what  he  should  think  necessary  to  equip 
another  squadron  for  the  Indies.  They  added  a 
promise  to  reward  his  services  worthily,  and  con- 
ferred on  him  several  titles  of  dignity  and  honor. 

5.  Columbus  made  immediate  preparations  for 
visiting  the  court,  with  specimens  of  every  thing  lie 
had  brought  with  him  from  the  new  countries.  The 
novelty  of  these  things  excited  among  all  classes  the 
greatest  astonishment.  The  admiral  proceeded 
upon  the  road,  with  crowds  continually  gathering  to 
greet  and  honor  him.  His  reception  at  Barcelona 
was  particularly  gratifying.  He  made  a  sort  of 
triumphal  entry,  surrounded  by  knights  and  nobles, 
who  emulated  each  other  in  their  efforts  to  swell  his 
praises. 

6.  He  was  received  publicly  by  the  sovereigns,  in 
a  splendid  saloon,  seated  on  the  throne,  and  encir- 
cled by  a  magnificent  court.  On  his  entrance,  they 
rose  to  greet  him,  and  would  hardly  allow  him  to 
kiss  their  hands,  considering  it  too  unworthy  a  mark 
of  vassalage.  Columbus  then  gave  an  account  of 
his  discoveries,  and  exhibited  the  different  articles 
which  he  had  brought   home    with  him.     He  de- 


What  did  they  request  Columbus  to  do  ?  5.  What  preparations 
did  he  make  ?  What  of  his  reception  at  Barcelona  ?  6  What 
of  the  sovereigns  ?     What  did  Columbus  exhibit  to  them  ? 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  8!i 

sciibed  the  quantity  of  spices,  the  promise  of  gold, 
the  fertility  of  the  soil,  the  delicious  climate,  the 
never-fading  verdure  of  the  trees,  the  brilliant  plu- 
mage of  the  birds,  in  the  new  regions  which  his  own 
enterprise  had  acquired  for  his  sovereigns. 

7.  He  then  drew  their  attention  to  the  six  natives 
of  the  New  World,  who  were  present,  and  described 
their  manners  and  dispositions.  He  exhibited  their 
dresses  and  ornaments,  their  rude  utensils,  their 
feeble  arms,  which  corresponded  with  his  descrip- 
tion of  them,  as  naked  and  ignorant  barbarians. 
To  this  he  added  that  he  had  observed  no  traces  of 
idolatry  or  superstition  among  them,  and  that  they 
all  seemed  to  be  convinced  of  the  existence  of  a 
Supreme  Being.  The  conclusion  of  his  speech  was 
in  these  words :  "  that  God  had  reserved  for  the 
Spanish  monarchs  not  only  all  the  treasures  of  the 
New  World,  but  a  still  greater  treasure,  of  inesti- 
mable value,  in  the  infinite  number  of  souls  destined 
to  be  brought  over  into  the  bosom  of  the  Christian 
church." 

8.  After  he  had  finished  his  address,  the  whole 
assembly  fell  upon  their  knees,  while  an  anthem 
was  chanted  by  the  choir  of  the  royal  chapel. 
With  songs  of  praise,  the  glory  was  given  to  God, 
for  the  discovery  of  a  New  World.  Columbus  and 
his  adventures  were  for  many  days  the  wonder  and 

What  did  he  describe  ?  7.  What  did  Columbus  say  of  the 
natives  ?  Repeat  the  conclusion  of  Columbus's  speech.  8.  What 
took  place  after  the  address  of  the  admiral  ? 


84  LIKE  OF  COLUMBUS 

delight  of  the  people  and  the  court.  The  sovereigns 
admitted  the  admiral  to  their  audience  at  all  hours, 
and  loaded  him  with  every  mark  of  favor  and  dis- 
tinction. Men  of  the  highest  rank  were  proud  of 
the  honor  of  his  company. 

9.  Among  his  friends  may  be  numbered  the 
grand  cardinal  of  Spain,  and  first  subject  of  the 
realm,  Pedro  Gonzalez  de  Mendoza  ;  a  man  emi- 
nent for  his  generosity,  piety  and  learning.  It  was 
at  his  house  that  the  often  told  anecdote  of  the  egg 
is  said  to  have  occurred.  Some  envious  courtier, 
with  as  little  wit  as  civility,  abruptly  asked  Colum- 
bus whether  he  thought  that,  in  case  he  had  not 
discovered  the  Indies,  there  were  not  other  men  in 
Spain  who  would  have  been  capable  of  such  an  en- 
terprise. To  this  the  admiral  made  no  reply,  but, 
taking  an  egg,  requested  the  company  to  make  it 
stand  on  one  end.  They  all  attempted,  but  could  . 
not  succeed.  Columbus  then  struck  it  upon  the 
table,  and  left  it  standing  upon  the  broken  end ;  il- 
lustrating thus  simply,  that  the  only  difficulty  was 
in  showing  the  way  to  the  new  world,  not  in  follow- 
ing it. 

10.  After  some  political  negotiations  with  the 
king  of  Portugal  and  the  pope  of  Rome,  all  mat- 
ters were  prepared  for  the  second  expedition  to 
the  New  World.  On  the  dawn  of  the  twenty- 
fifth   of  September,   1493,  the   bay  of  Cadiz   was 

D.   What  of  Pedro  Gonzalez  de  Mendoza?     Relate  the  anec- 
dote of  the  egg.     10.  When  did  Columbus  deport  from  Cadiz  7 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  85 

crowded  with  the  departing  fleet  of  Columbus. 
There  tvere  three  large  ships  and  fourteen  caravel? 
waiting  for  the  signal  to  sail.  All  on  board  were 
breathing  hope  and  joy.  Instead  of  the  gloomy 
despondency  that  overshadowed  the  leave-taking 
at  Palos,  there  was  animation  and  cheerfulness. 
They  pictured  to  themselves  lands  rich  with  per- 
petual verdure,  their  mountains  loaded  with  golden 
ore,  and  their  rivers  flowing  over  golden  sands. 
Columbus  was  followed  by  the  applauses,  and  not 
by  the  curses,  of  the  populace  ;  and  the  adventurers 
were  envied,  instead  of  being  lamented.  The 
whole  fleet  was  under  way  before  the  rising  of  the 
sun,  sailing  joyfully,  under  a  serene  sky,  through 
he  tranquil  waters. 

11.  On  the  fifth  of  October,  they  landed  at  Go- 
•nera,  one  of  the  Canary  Islands,  where  they  took  in 
wood  and  water.  Besides  this,  they  purchased 
salves,  goats,  sheep  and  swine,  a  number  of  do- 
mestic fowls,  and  the  seeds  of  oranges,  lemons,  ber- 
gamots,  and  various  other  fruits.  These  animals 
were  intended  to  stock  the  island  of  Ilispaniola; 
and  the  fruits  were  then,  for  the  first  time,  intro- 
duced into  the  island,  where  they  have  since  so  lux- 
uriantly flourished.  The  admiral  here  furnished 
every  ship  with  a  sealed  map  of  The  course  to  the 

Of  what  was  the  fleet  composed?  What  were  the  feelings  ot 
he  adventurers  in  this  second  expedition?  11.  When  and  why 
lid  they  land  at  Gomera  ?  What  did  they  purchase  there  ? 
fV'hat  of  the  sealed  map  ? 

8 


86  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

port  of  Navidad,  with  express  directions  that  it 
should  not  be  opened,  unless  the  vessels  were  sepa- 
rated by  adverse  winds. 

12.  On  the  morning  of  the  third  of  November, 
an  island  was  discovered,  which  they  called  Do- 
minica, as  it  was  first  seen  upon  Sunday.  A  little 
while  after,  they  saw  another  island  to  the  north- 
east, and  then  another.  All  the  men  then  assem- 
bled upon  the  decks,  and  offered  their  devotions  to 
Heaven,  singing  prayers  and  hymns,  in  gratitude  for 
the  mercy  which  had  been  extended  to  them. 
The  admiral  then  landed  at  an  island,  which  he 
called  Marigalante,  after  the  name  of  his  ship,  and 
again  went  through  the  ceremony  of  taking  posses- 
sion, as  in  the  first  voyage. 

13.  On  the  next  day  thev  sailed  northwardly, 
by  another  island,  which  they  called  St.  Mary  of 
Guadaloupe,  after  the  convent  of  that  name.  Before 
reaching  it,  they  saw  a  very  high  peak,  from  which 
a  large  stream  of  water  was  gushing,  with  such  a 
roar  as  to  be  heard  on  board  of  the  ships.  It  was  so 
white  and  foaming  in  its  fall,  that  it  appeared  to 
many  like  a  white  vein  in  the  rock.  It  afterwards 
proved  to  be  the  crater  of  a  volcano. 

14.  They  went  on  shore  in  their  boats,  but 
found  that  the  people   had  all  fled  to  the  woods. 


\%  What  islands  were  discovered  ?  At  what  island  did  the  ad- 
miral land  ?  13.  What  did  they  see  before  reaching  St.  Mary 
nf  Guadaloupe  ? 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  87 

Some  children,  however,  were  left  behind,  and  the 
Spaniards  tied  a  few  bells  and  beads  about  their 
arms,  to  excite  the  curiosity  of  the  parents.  They 
found  geese  about  the  houses,  and  very  large  parrots, 
with  every  variety  of  feathers.  The  villages  were 
composed  of  from  twenty  to  thirty  cottages,  in  the 
shape  of  tents,  and  arranged  in  a  circle.  There 
were  more  signs  of  progress  in  the  arts  here  than 
had  been  found  in  any  other  island.  The  vessels 
and  utensils  were  neater  and  more  convenient ;  and 
at  the  entrance  of  one  of  the  houses,  they  found  two 
wooden  images  carved  like  serpents.  Here,  also, 
they  first  found  the  fragrant  and  delicious  pine-apple, 
with  a  variety  of  other  new  fruits  and  shrubs. 

15.  Among  the  wonders  upon  this  island,  they 
found  a  plate  of  iron,  and  the  sternpost  of  a  Eu- 
ropean ship.  Iron  had  never  before  been  seen  in 
use  among  the  natives ;  and  where  could  a  vessel 
have  been  so,  wrecked,  that  part  of  her  timber  could 
have  reached  this  distant  shore  1  But  what  filled  the 
Spaniards  with  astonishment  and  horror,  was,  as 
they  supposed,  sufficient  proof  that  the  natives  of 
this  island  fed  upon  human  flesh.  They  found 
bones  of  human  beings,  and  their  skulls  con  vt /ted 
into  drinking  cups.     From  this  they  inferred  that 


14.  What  did  the  Spaniards  do  with  the  children  of  the  na- 
tives ?  What  birds  did  they  find  ?  What  of  the  -dllages  ? 
What  fruit  was  first  found  here  ?  15.  What  was  found  upon 
the  island  1     What  circumstance  filled  the  Spaniards  with  honor  ' 


83  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

the  island  was  inhabited  by  the  sanguinary  Caribs, 
or  cannibals. 

16.  When  the  boats  went  ashore  on  the  next 
day,  two  boys  and  several  women  came  to  them  of 
their  own  accord.  They  said  they  had  been  pris- 
oners of  the  Caribs,  and  had  escaped.  The  admi- 
ral would  not  allow  them  to  remain  on  board  the 
vessels,  but,  giving  them  beads  and  bells,  in  order 
to  allure  the  natives,  obliged  them  to  return.  They 
soon  came  back,  however,  stripped  of  all  their  baw- 
bles,  and  entreating  permission  to  be  carried  to  the 
ships.  It  was  gathered  from  the  signs  and  gestures 
of  the  Indian  interpreters,  that  the  Caribs  ruled 
over  many  islands  in  that  neighborhood,  and  cruised 
about  in  large  canoes,  making  prisoners  of  the  more 
peaceable  inhabitants,  and  destroying  them. 

17.  Columbus  was  now  desirous  of  again  getting 
under  way,  but  was  told  that  a  captain  of  one  of 
the  caravels,  Diego  Marque,  had  gone  ashore  with 
eight  men,  and  had  not  yet  returned.  He  deter- 
mined, therefore,  to  remain  till  the  following  day. 
Meanwhile  he  ordered  muskets  to  be  fired  and 
trumpets  to  be  sounded  from  the  shore  and  among 
the  woods.  The  people  were  out  till  evening  in 
every  direction,  but  found  no  trace  of  the  wan- 
derers. 

16  What  did  the  admiral  give  to  the  Indian  prisoners  '  What 
did  the  interpreters  make  known  to  the  Spaniards  1  17.  What 
did  Columbus  do  to  recover  the  men  who  had  gone  ashore  ? 


LIFE  OF  COLUMhUS  89 

18.  On  the  next  morning,  Columbus  thought  of 
continuing  his  voyage,  but  was  prevailed  upon,  by 
the  friends  of  the  lost  seamen,  to  remain.  He  \ien 
sent  a  brave  Spanish  cavalier,  named  Ojeda,  with 
forty  men,  to  penetrate  into- the  interior  of  the  coun- 
try. In  their  march,  they  threaded  all  the  woods 
in  the  neighborhood,  sounding  their  trumpets  from 
the  cliffs,  and  discharging  their  muskets  in  the 
valleys  and  on  the  mountains.  But  they  could  dis- 
cover no  trace  of  the  party  they  were  seeking. 
They  saw,  during  their  excursion,  many  new  fruits, 
and  birds  of  unknown  species.  They  fancied  that 
they  perceived  the  odor  of  rich  gums  and  spices : 
and  they  found  honey  in  the  trees  and  clefts  of  the 
rocks. 

19.  They  returned  to  their  ships  without  the 
wanderers.  Columbus  now  gave  them  up  as  lost. 
He  supposed  they  had  strayed  into  the  recesses  of 
the  forests,  and  had  either  perished  by  the  hands  of 
the  savages,  or  had  deserted  with  no  intention  to 
return.  He  was  just  on  the  point  of  sailing,  when 
he  perceived  their  signal  from  the  shore.  When  they 
came  on  board,  their  appearance  told  how  much 
they  had  suffered.  Having  lost  their  way  on  first 
entering  the  forest,  they  had  gone  farther  and  far- 
ther from  the  ships  without  knowing  the  course 
they  were  taking.     It  was  in  vain  that  they  tried  to 

18.  What  did  Ojeda  and  his  men  do  ?  What  success  had 
they  ?  19.  What  did  Columbus  suppose  ?  Relate  the  adveu 
lures  of  the  wanderers. 

8* 


«)0  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

retrace  the  mazes  in  which  they  had  wandered. 
The  thick  foliage  shut  out  the  stars  from  their  sight, 
though  they  climbed  the  highest  trees.  They 
could  discover  no  sign  of  their  position,  till,  when 
almost  reduced  to  despair,  they  reached  the  sea 
shore.  Following  its  windings,  they  came  in  sight 
of  the  fleet.  For  so  improper  a  breach  of  orders, 
Columbus  thought  it  necessary  to  inflict  a  punish- 
ment upon  the  offenders,  notwithstanding  what  they 
had  suffered,  and  the  joy  expressed  at  their  re- 
turn. 

20.  While  cruising  among  these  Caribbee  Islands, 
a  sea-skirmish  took  place  of  quite  a  novel  descrip- 
tion. The  boat  had  been  sent  on  shore  with  five- 
and-twenty  men,  from  the  admiral's  ship,  to  procure 
water.  On  their  return,  they  came  upon  a  canoe, 
which  had  coasted  from  a  distant  part  of  the  island, 
and,  on  turning  a  point,  arrived  in  full  view  of  the 
ships.  The  natives  were  so  engaged  in  gazing  up- 
on the  larger  vessels,  that  they  did  not  observe  the 
boat  till  it  had  stolen  close  to  their  side.  They 
then  plied  their  paddles,  and  attempted  to  escape  to 
the  shore.  As  the  boat  gained  upon  them,  they 
seized  their  bows  and  arrows,  and  turned  fiercely 
upon  the  Spaniards.  There  were  two  women  in 
the  canoe,  who  took  an  active  part  in  the  contest. 
One  of  them  was  treated  as  a  queen.     The  canoe 


Did  Columbus  punish  them  ?    20.  Repeat  the  account  of  the 
sea-skirmish. 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  91 

was  overturned,  Dut  the  savages  still  continued  to 
fight  in  the  water,  and  it  was  with  the  utmost  dif- 
ficulty that  they  could  be  finally  taken.  One  of 
them  died  of  his  wounds,  after  he  was  brought  to 
the  ship,  and  the  queen's  son  was  badly  injured. 

21.  Though  captives,  they  condescended  to  ex- 
hibit no  tokens  of  submission.  They  were  stili 
savage  and  disdainful,  and  wore  an  air  of  menace 
and  defiance.  There  was  something  about  them 
that  excited  a  sensation  of  horror.  This  is  the  ac- 
count given  by  those  who  saw  them,  though  it  is 
impossible  to  say  what  influence  the  knowledge  of 
their  savage  customs  may  have  had  in  forming  the 
opinion  of  the  spectators. 

22.  Continuing  his  course,  the  admiral  came  in 
sight  of  a  large  number  of  islands,  of  different 
shapes  and  aspects.  Some  were  barren  and  sandy  ; 
some  green  and  woody ;  some  covered  with  rocks 
of  a  bright  azure  and  glistening  white.  There 
were  many  of  these  groups,  and  Columbus  was 
afraid  to  trust  his  large  ships  among  their  rocky 
and  narrow  channels.  He  sent,  therefore,  one  of 
the  caravels  to  ascertain  their  number  and  charac- 
ter. There  proved  to  be  about  fifty  of  them,  ap- 
parently uninhabited.  Columbus  called  the  largest 
of  them  Santa  Ursula,  and  the  others  the  Eleven 
Thousand  Virgins. 

21  How  did  the  natives  appear  when  taken  prisoners  ?  22. 
What  of  the  islands,  and  what  name  did  Columbus  give  some  of 
them  7 


92  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS 


CHAPTER  VII. 

Arrival  at  La  Navidad.  Destruction  of  the  Foitresb. 
Visit  to  Guacanagari.  Escape  of  the  Indian  Women, 
Erection  of  Isabella.  Exploring  Parties.  Part  of  the 
Ships  return  to  Spain.  Mutiny,  Expedition  to  Cibao. 
Building  of  St.  TJiomas.  Expedition  to  the  Interior. 
Theft  of  the  Natives.  Columbus  proceeds  upon  his 
Discoveries. 

1.  As  the  fleet  was  sailing  gently  along  the  green 
shore  of  Hispaniola,  the  boat  was  sent  ashore  to 
bury  a  Biscayan,  who  had  been  shot  with  a  poi- 
soned arrow  in  the  skirmish  with  the  Caribs.  When 
arrived  at  the  gulf  of  Las  Flechas,  the  place  where, 
the  year  before,  they  had  been  engaged  in  a  slight 
struggle  with  the  natives,  they  sent  ashore  one  of 
the  Indians,  who  had  gone  with  them  to  Spain,  and 
had  been  converted.  It  was  never  known  what 
became  of  him  afterwards. 

2.  It  was  after  midnight  that  the  fleet  anchored 
in  the  port  of  La  Navidad.  Columbus  had  met  with 
several  circumstances,  during  the  voyage,  which 
filled  him  with  the  deepest  anxiety  in  respect  to  the 
little  colony  he  had  left  there.  Orders  were  imme- 
diately given  that  guns  should  be  fired,  that  the 

1.  Why  was  the  boat  sent  ashore  at  Hispaniola  ?  What  of  I  he 
gulf  of  Las  Flechas  ?  What  of  the  Indians  who  wore  sent 
ashore  ?     2.  How  did  Columbus  feel  on  arriving  at  La  Navidad  1 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  95 

colonists  might  know  of  the  arrival  of  the  fleet ;  but 
no  answering  signal  was  given. 

3.  A  canoe  soon  afterwards  came  off  to  the  fleet, 
and  inquired  for  the  admiral.  The  Indians  refused 
to  come  on  board  till  they  had  seen  and  recognized 
him.  They  brought  him  a  present  of  two  gold 
masks  from  Guacanagari.  When  questioned  about 
the  Spaniards  who  had  remained  there,  they  said 
that  some  of  them  had  been  taken  sick  and  died, 
and  that  some  had  quarrelled,  and  gone  away  to  a 
distant  part  of  the  island.  The  admiral  concealed 
his  surmises  in  respect  to  their  fate,  and  dismissed 
the  natives  with  some  trifling  presents  to  their 
king. 

4.  On  the  next  day  they  found  but  little  reason 
to  doubt  as  to  the  fate  of  the  colonists.  When  the 
admiral  landed,  he  found  all  the  houses  in  the 
neighborhood  burnt,  and  the  fort  entirely  destroyed. 
The  only  remaining  tokens  of  the  history  of  the 
colonists  were  the  dead  bodies  of  eleven  of  them, 
with  some  torn  garments,  and  broken  articles  of 
furniture.  They  discharged  all  the  cannon  and 
musquetry  of  the  fleet  at  once,  in  hopes  that  the 
sound  might  reach  the  ear  of  some  concealed  wan- 
derer, who  still  survived  to  tell  the  fate  of  his  com- 
panions.    But  it  was  in  vain. 

3.  What  did  the  Indians  bring  Columbus  ?  What  did  they  teH 
him  respecting  the  Spaniards  who  had  been  left  ?  4.  What  had 
been  the  fate  of  the  colonists  ?  Why  were  cannon  and  muskeir/ 
discharged  ? 


91  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

5.  Messengers  were  sent  from  the  Indians,  who 
received  friendly  presents,  and  signs  of  continued 
confidence.  They  represented  the  licentious  and 
violent  conduct  of  the  Spaniards,  who  had  been  left 
there,  both  in  their  intercourse  with  the  natives  and 
with  each  other.  They  had  been  avaricious  and 
quarrelsome,  and  were  at  last  attacked  in  the  night 
time  by  Caonabo,  a  powerful  cacique  of  the  prov- 
ince of  Cibao.  They  were  all  slain,  their  fortress 
destroyed,  and  the  cottages  of  the  friendly  Indians 
of  the  neighborhood  laid  in  ashes. 

6.  Columbus  determined  to  seek  oi  t  immediately 
a  more  favorable  position  for  a  colony.  Melchor 
Maldanado  was  despatched  with  his  caravel  to  cruise 
along  the  eastern  coast.  He  soon  received  an  in 
vitation  from  Guacanagari  to  visit  him.  The  ca 
cique  was  found  in  his  hanging-bed,  apparently  very 
sick.  He  told  the  story  of  the  attack  of  Caonabo, 
and  said  that  his  present  confinement  was  owing  to  a 
wound  he  had  received  in  that  affair.  His  thigh  was 
wrapped  in  a  cotton  bandage.  He  presented  the 
captain  and  the  chief  persons  who  accompanied  him 
several  pieces  of .  gold,  and  expressed  an  eager 
desire  to  see  the  admiral. 

7.  On  hearing  this,  Columbus  visited  him  with  a 
splendid   retinue.     The    cacique    displayed    great 

5.  What  of  the  Indian  messengers  1  What  provocation  had  the 
colonists  given  the  Indians?  6.  What  of  Melchor  Maldauado  ? 
What  did  Guacanagari  tell  him  ?  7.  Relate  what  passed  betweeL 
the  admiral  and   the  cacique. 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  95 

sorrow  for  the  death  of  the  Spaniards,  and  present- 
ed the  admiral  with  some  beautiful  girdles,  a  cap 
set  round  with  gems,  and  three  gourds  filled  with 
gold  dust.  The  Spaniards,  however,  still  distrusted 
him ;  and  when  the  surgeon  of  the  fleet  took  tha 
bandages  from  his  leg,  he  found  no  trace  of  any 
wound  or  bruise.  Columbus,  however,  pretended  to 
believe  his  story,  carried  him  on  board  of  his  ship, 
and  gave  him  several  toys,  with  which  he  was 
very  much  delighted.  He  was  then  dismissed  in 
safety. 

8.  Many  of  the  Spaniards  thought  that  he  should 
have  been  detained  prisoner.  Their  opinion  of  his 
treachery  was  confirmed  by  an  incident  that  took 
place  on  the  following  night,  in  which  the  king  was 
supposed  to  have  taken  some  part.  While  on  his 
visit  to  the  ship,  he  was  observed  to  have  been  very 
much  pleased,  and  to  have  conversed  with  Catalina, 
one  of  the  women  whom  Columbus  had  delivered 
from  the  Caribs.  On  the  next  night,  these  women 
silently  leaped  into  the  water,  and  made  for  the 
shore.  The  sea  was  somewhat  rough,  and  the 
ships  were  lying  about  three  miles  from  land. 
They  were  followed  by  the  boats,  but  only  three  of 
them  were  overtaken.  Catalina,  with  four  or  five 
others,  escaped.  On  the  following  morning,  the  vil 
lage  of  the  cacique  was  entirely  deserted. 

9.  Parties  were  now  sent  out  to  reconnoitre  the 

8.  What  of  the  cacique  and  the  Indian  women?  U.  For  what 
purpose  did  parties  of  m°.n  search  the  island  7 


96  IJFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

island,  and  find  Guacanagari.  They  scoured  the 
shores,  and  the  lighter  caravels  entered  far  into  the 
windings  of  the  rivers.  Maldanado  was  at  the  head 
of  this  expedition,  and,  with  his  party,  was  going 
towards  a  high  house  they  saw  at  a  distance,  where 
they  supposed  the  cacique  might  have  taken  refuge. 
"  And  as  he  was  going,"  says  Peter  Martyr,  "  there 
met  him  a  man  with  a  frowning  countenance  and  a 
grim  look,  with  a  hundred  men  following  him, 
armed  with  bows  and  arrows,  and  long  and  sharp 
stakes  like  javelins,  made  hard  at  the  ends  with 
fire ;  who,  approaching  towards  our  men,  spake  out 
aloud  with  a  terrible  voice,  saying  that  they  were 
Taini,  that  is,  noble  men,  and  not  cannibals ;  but 
when  our  men  had  given  them  signs  of  peace,  they 
left  both  their  weapons  and  fierceness.  Thus,  giving 
each  of  them  certain  hawks'  bells,  they  took  it  for 
so  great  a  reward,  that  they  desired  to  enter  bonds 
of  near  friendship  with  us,  and  feared  not  immedi- 
ately to  submit  themselves  under  our  power,  and 
resorted  to  our  ships  with  their  presents." 

10.  It  was  learned  that  Guacanagari  had  retired 
l.o  the  mountains ;  and  on  this  intelligence,  the  fleet 
sailed  from  Navidad  to  Monte  Christi.  The  admi- 
ral intended  to  steer  towards  the  east,  and  establish 
a  colony  at  the  harbor  of  La  Plata.  But  being  de- 
tained by  contrary  winds,  the  fleet  finally  came  to 

Whom  did  tlicy  meet  1  Relate  the  adventure  in  the  words  of 
Peter  Martyr.  10.  What  did  the  Spaniards  hear  of  the  cacique  1 
Whei  e  did  the  fleet  finally  anchor  ? 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  97 

anchor  in  a  haven  about  ten  leagues  east  of  Monte 
Christi,  where  there  seemed  to  be  a  very  fine  situa- 
tion for  a  colony.  The  soil  was  fertile,  and  the 
surrounding  sea  abounded  in  fish.  Behind  it  were 
unpenetrable  woods,  and  the  rocks  below  it  might 
be  easily  crowned  with  a  strong  fortress. 

11.  This  was  the  place,  therefore,  chosen  for  the 
new  settlement.  A  chapel  was  immediately  erected, 
in  which  a  Catholic  festival  was,  for  the  first  time, 
celebrated,  on  the  sixth  of  January,  1494.  The 
public  buildings  of  the  new  town  were  erected  of 
stone.  The  private  houses  were  built  of  wood,  and 
covered  with  grass  and  leaves.  Seeds  were  sown, 
which  sprung  up  with  great  rapidity.  The  neigh- 
boring Indians  assisted  them  in  building,  and  pro- 
vided them  food,  with  the  greatest  diligence  and 
zeal.  Columbus  called  the  new  settlement  Isabella, 
in  honor  of  the  distinguished  patron  of  his  expe- 
dition. 

12.  As  soon  as  the  town  was  erected,  and  they 
had  begun  to  surround  it  with  stone  walls,  it  was 
determined  to  sand  an  expedition  to  penetrate  into 
the  interior  of  the  island,  and  seek  for  the  gold 
mines.     Many  of  the  Spaniards  at  this  time  were 

Where  had  the  admiral  intended  to  establish  a  colony?  De- 
scribe the  place  chosen  for  the  settlement.  11.  When  was  a  chapel 
erected  ?  How  was  the  new  town  built  ?  How  did  the  Indians 
assist  the  Spaniards  ?  What  name  was  given  to  the  settle- 
ment ?  12.  What  was  determined  upon  after  the  com]  'etion  of 
Ihu  tow:i  ! 

0  E 


VS  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

sick.  A  sudden  distemper  had  broken  out  among 
them,  brought  on  by  the  change  of  food  and  climate, 
and  the  vapors  and  exhalations  of  a  luxuriant  soil. 
The  disease,  however,  was  not  of  a  very  malignant 
nature,  and  there  was  no  want  of  laborers  and 
soldiers. 

13.  Two  parties  were  despatched  to  explore  the 
island,  consisting  of  fifteen  men  each,  and  com- 
manded by  the  brave  soldiers  Gorvalan  and  Ojeda. 
They  marched  in  a  southerly  direction,  and  in  a  few 
days  found  themselves  in  a  high  chain  of  moun- 
tains, in  the  middle  of  the  province  of  Cibao. 
These  mountains  were  watered  by  several  rivers 
which  flowed  over  sands  that  glittered  with  gold. 
The  Indians  collected  small  quantities  of  gold  dust, 
and  a  few  pieces  of  gold  ore,  which  they  brought 
to  the  Spaniards  in  exchange  for  such  trifles  as 
they  had  with  them.  Being  convinced  by  these 
tokens  that  they  had  really  found  the  golden  mines, 
they  returned  to  the  ships. 

14.  The  colonists,  through  sickness  and  fatigue, 
had  been  very  much  disheartened.  They  had  been 
disappointed  in  their  avaricious  hopes,  and  in  their 
dreams  of  indolent  indulgence.  Their  spirits  wer 
somewhat  revived  by  the  accounts  of  Ojeda;  ana 
Columbus  determined  to  go  in  person  to  the  moun- 

What  sickness  prevailed  in  the  colony  1  13.  Who  commanded 
the  two  exploring  parties  ?  What  mountains  did  they  cross  ? 
What  did  the  Indians  bring  the  Spaniards  ?  14.  What  did  Co 
Iambus  determine  to  do  on  the  return  of  the  two  parties  ? 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  9(J 

tains  of  Cibao,  and  select  a  site  for  a  Spanish  set» 
tlement. 

15.  Before  taking  any  other  measures,  however, 
it  was  necessary  to  despatch  thirteen  ships  to  Spain 
to  carry  home  an  account  of  their  situation,  and  a 
list  of  the  articles  necessary  for  their  maintenance. 
In  his  letters,  Columbus  described  the  great  beauty 
and  fertility  of  the  islands,  the  probable  abundance 
of  spices  and  aromatic  shrubs,  and  the  discovery  of 
the  gold  mines,  from  which  he  was  in  hopes  to  ac- 
quire immense  treasures.  He  sent  by  this  fleet  the 
little  gold  that  had  been  collected  at  Cibao,  and 
several  Caribs,  men,  women  and  children,  whom 
he  was  desirous  of  educating  in  Spain  for  interpret- 
ers. They  were  observed  to  be  acquainted  with 
the  greatest  variety  of  the  Indian  languages,  and 
were,  therefore,  the  best  adapted  for  this  purpose. 

16.  The  fleet  set  sail  upon  the  second  of  Febru- 
ary. The  admiral  endeavored  to  forward  the  com- 
pletion of  the  town,  that  he  might  see  it  entirely 
finished  before  setting  out  for  Cibao.  This  was 
delayed,  however,  by  several  circumstances.  He 
was  attacked  by  a  fit  of  sickness,  and,  during  the 
time  that  he  was  confined  by  it,  a  mutiny  broke  out 
among  the  discontented.  The  leader  of  the  dis- 
turbance  was  Bernal  Diaz  de  Pisa,  the  head  ac- 

15.  What  did  he  say  of  the  new  country  in  his  letters  to  Spain  ' 
What  did  he  send  1  16.  What  delays  did  the  admiral  meet 
•villi  in  going  lo  Cibao  ?     What  mutiny  broke  out  in  the  colon v 


100  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

countant.  They  had  laid  a  scheme  to  prepare 
formal  charges  against  Columbus,  and  to  return  to 
Spain  with  the  five  ships  which  remained  in  the  har- 
bor. The  admiral  recovered  from  his  illness,  and,  on 
learning  about  the  plot,  he  confined  Bernal  Diaz  in 
one  of  the  ships,  and  inflicted  some  light  punish- 
ment upon  the  chief  accomplices.  Having  thus 
arranged  affairs  at  home,  he  set  out,  on  the  twelfth 
of  March,  for  the  gold  mines,  with  about  four  hun- 
dred men,  and  a  number  of  horses. 

17.  About  four  leagues  from  the  town,  there  was 
a  difficult  defile  through  the  mountains,  which  the 
admiral  called  Puerto  de  los  Hidalgos,  signifying  the 
pass  of  the  gentlemen.  It  was  so  named  because 
a  number  of  cavaliers  first  led  the  way  through  it. 
When  the  admiral  had  reached,  with  much  toil,  the 
summit  of  the  mountain,  he  was  repaid  by  the  rich 
prospect  upon  all  sides,  that  had  so  much  delighted 
Ojeda  and  his  companions.  The  luxuriant  foliage 
of  the  broad-spreading  trees,  with  painted  birds 
gleaming  among  their  branches,  and  the  extended 
verdure  of  the  plains,  rich  with  the  fragrant  shrubs 
and  delicious  fruits  of  that  glowing  climate,  present- 
ed a  most  gorgeous  spectacle  to  the  sight. 

18.  They  were  two  days  in  travelling  five  leagues 
over  this  delightful  valley;  partly  from  the  broad 

When  did  Columbus  set  out  for  the  gold  mines  ?  17.  What 
does  Puerto  de  Los  Hidalgos  signify?  Describe  the  prospec' 
from  the  summit  of  the  mountain      13.  What  delayed  their  jour 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  101 

streams  which  interrupted  their  march,  and  partly 
on  account  of  the  visits  which  they  paid  to  several 
places.  Columbus  availed  himself  of  this  occasion 
to  impress  the  Indians  with  respect  and  awe  for 
the  Europeans.  For  this  reason  he  commanded  his 
troops  to  march  from  Isabella,  in  warlike  proces- 
sion, with- the  sound  of  trumpets,  and  the  display 
of  banners,  and  glittering  in  steel.  His  cavalry 
were  always  placed  in  front,  for  the  Indians  ex- 
pressed great  terror  at  the  sight  of  horses.  On  the 
appearance  of  the  army,  the  natives  every  where 
took  refuge  in  their  cottages,  and  fastened  the 
doors  with  a  barrier  of  reeds. 

19.  When  they  reached  the  hills  and  mountains 
beyond  the  valley,  they  marched  slowly  in  a  path 
which  grew  more  steep  and  rugged  as  they  ad- 
vanced. The  ground  was  bare  of  verdure  and  vege- 
tation, and  covered  with  blue  pebbles.  The  In- 
dians, who  came  out  to  meet  them,  brought  food  and 
gold  to  exchange  as  usual  for  beads  and  bells 
They  were  now  in  Cibao,  the  famous  region  of  gold. 
Columbus  was  confident  of  the  neighborhood  of 
mines,  from  the  particles  of  the  precious  dust  that 
glittered  among  the  sands  of  the  streams.  Here, 
therefore,  he  determined  to  establish  a  fortress  with- 
out going  any  farther  into  the  country ;  and  *br  this 
purpose  he  chose  a  pleasant  eminence  almost  en- 


What  effect  had  the  warlike  appearance  ol  the  Spaniards  on  the 
Indians?     19.  Describe  the  country  of  Cibao.     What  situation  did 
the  admiral  choose  for  the  erectiou  of  a  fortress  1 
9* 


102  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

tirely  surrounded  by  the  waters  of  a  small  river  call- 
ed the  Janique.  He  gave  it  the  name  of  St. 
Thomas,  and  leaving  fifty-six  men  and  several 
horses  there,  set  out  on  his  return  to  Isabella. 

20.  He  had  hardly  rested  from  the  fatigues  of 
his  travels,  when  news  was  brought  of  an  intended 
attack,  by  Caonabo,  upon  the  fortress  at  St.  Thomas. 
He  knew,  however,  the  weakness  of  the  Indians,  and 
their  fear  of  the  white  men,  and  above  all  their 
great  dread  of  the  horses,  and  was  therefore  under 
no  great  apprehension.  Yet  he  despatched  to  their 
fortress  about  sixty  men,  with  ammunition  and  pro- 
visions. After  sending  away  this  party,  he  resolved 
to  allow  only  the  sick  to  remain  in  the  town,  and 
to  send  the  rest  about  the  island,  from  the  domin- 
ions of  one  cacique  to  another,  in  order  to  accus- 
tom them  to  the  country  and  its  produce,  and  pre- 
vent the  too  rapid  consumption  of  the  food  and 
wine  they  had  brought  with  them  from  Spain. 

21.  This  want  of  food  promised  to  be  socn  rem- 
edied by  the  extreme  fertility  of  the  soil.  Wheat, 
sown  in  the  latter  part  of  January,  was  in  ripe  ears 
by  the  thirtieth  of  March.  Melons  and  gourds 
were  fit  for  the  table  in  a  month  from  the  planting 
of  the  seeds.  Vines  put  forth  leaves  in  seven  days, 
and  clustered   with   unripe    grapes  in  twenty-five 

What  name  did  he  give  it  ?  20.  What  news  did  Columbus 
hear  soon  after  his  return  ?  How  many  men  did  he  send  to  St. 
Thomas  1  What  did  he  resolve  to  do  ?  21.  What  can  you  say 
of  the  fertility  of  the  soil  ? 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  103 

days,  after  they  were  planted.  All  this,  however, 
was  only  promise.  The  number  of  men  employed 
in  the  expedition  to  Cibao,  and  the  number  sick  of 
the  fever,  left  but  very  few  to  cultivate  the  soil. 

22.  From  this,  and  from  other  causes,  the  Span- 
iards had  become  restless  and  depressed.  All  were 
compelled  to  work.  The  nobleman  received  no 
more  favor  or  exemption  than  the  soldier.  There 
were  public  buildings  and  mills  to  be  erected,  ca- 
nals to  be  cut,  and  the  sick  to  be  provided  with 
nourishment  and  attendance.  And  the  severity 
and  rigor  of  their  toil  occasioned  murmurs  and  com- 
plaints against  Columbus. 

23.  All  the  soldiers  and  laborers  in  good  health 
were  therefore  sent  upon  foraging  parties.  To 
their  command  the  admiral  appointed  Pedro  Mar- 
garite,  a  knight  on  whose  valor  and  prudence  he 
placed  great  reliance.  He  ordered  him  to  go 
through  all  the  provinces,  and  observe  their  climate 
and  productions  ;  to  preserve  the  strictest  discipline 
among  the  troops ;  and  to  treat  the  natives  with  the 
utmost  kindness  and  justice.  As  they  every  day 
heard  new  accounts  of  the  ferocity  of  Caonabo,  ho 
ordered  them  to  take  him  prisoner ;  and  to  cut  off 
the  nose  and  ears  of  those  who  should  be  caught 
pilfering  from  the  troops. 


22.  Why  did  the  Spaniards  become  depressed,  and  murmur 
against  Columbus  ?  23.  Whom  did  the  admiral  place  at  the  head 
of  the  foraging  party  ?     What  orders  were  given  to  him  ? 


104  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS 

24:  Ojeda  went  forth  from  Isabella  at  the  hea.i 
of  about  four  hundred  men.  On  arriving  at  the 
Rio  del  Oro,  he  learnt  that  three  Spaniards  had 
been  robbed  of  their  garments,  by  some  natives 
who  had  offered  to  carry  them  across  the  river. 
Instead  of  giving  up  the  thieves,  their  cacique  pro- 
tected them,  and  received  half  of  the  booty.  The 
soldiers  caught  one  of  the  Indians,  and  Ojeda 
ordered  his  ears  to  be  cut  off  in  the  public  square 
of  the  village.  He  also  arrested  the  cacique,  with 
his  brother  and  nephew,  and  sent  them  in  chains  to 
the  admiral. 

25.  Columbus  was  desirous  of  teaching  the  na- 
tives a  proper  respect  for  the  property  of  the  Span- 
iards. He  ordered,  therefore,  that  the  prisoners 
should  be  led  into  the  public  square,  their  crime  to 
be  proclaimed  by  the  crier,  and  their  heads  struck 
off.  A  neighboring  cacique,  who  was  friendly  to 
both  parties,  and  had  accompanied  the  Indians 
from  the  time  of  their  arrest,  interceded  for  them 
with  prayers  and  tears.  He  pledged  himself  that 
the  offence  should  not  be  repeated,  and  the  admiral 
at  length  yielded  to  his  entreaties,  and  released  the 
prisoners. 

26.  Just  at  this  time,  a  horseman  rode  into  the 
town,  who  had  found  five  Spaniards,  prisoners  in 

24.  What  did  Ojeda  hear  concerning  the  Indians  ?     How  were 
they  punished  ?     25.  What  prisoners  did  Columbus  release 
■ntercession  of  a  cacique  ? 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS 


105 


C^-;-  ^H-vM 


The  Indians  frightened  by  a  man  on  horseback. 


E  2 


I  OG  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

the  village  of  the  captive  cacique.  Indians  had 
collected  there  to  the  number  of  four  hundred,  but 
the  sight  of  his  horse  had  put  the  whole  multitude  tc 
flight.  Columbus  was  assured  by  this  incident  that 
there  was  nothing  to  be  feared  from  the  attack  of 
the  natives,  and  prepared  to  depart  in  person  for 
the  prosecution  of  his  discoveries.  Leaving  his 
brother  Don  Diego  governor  of  the  island  during 
his  absence,  with  several  assistant  counsellors,  he 
proceeded  upon  his  voyage  with  three  caravels,  his 
two  remaining  vessels  being  of  too  heavy  a  size  for 
such  an  excursion. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

Fishermen  at  Puerto  Grande.  Queen's  Garden.  Sin- 
gular  Manner  of  taking  Fish.  Adventure  in  the  Woods. 
Columbus  pursues  his  Voyage.  Is  convinced  that  Cuba 
is  the  Extremity  of  the  Asiatic  Continent.  Evangelista. 
Harbor  on  the  Coast  of  Cuba.  Interview  with  an  old 
Man.  Jamaica.  Visit  of  a  Cacique.  Columbus 
seized  with  Sickness.     Return  to  Isabella. 

1.  After  sailing  along  the  northern  coast  of 
Hispaniola,  and  touching  at  the  harbor  of  La  Navi- 
dad,  in  the  vain  hope  of  an  interview  with  Guacan- 

26.  Relate  the  incident  of  the  horse  alarming  the  Indians.  Who 
was  left  governor  of  the  island  when  Columbus  departed  1 


1  IFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  10? 

agari,  Columbus  continued  his  course  to  Cuba. 
He  anchored  in  a  spacious  harbor,  to  which  he  gave 
the  name  of  Puerto  Grande.  Its  entrance  was 
winding,  but  of  great  depth.  Not  far  from  the 
shore  they  found  two  cottages  covered  with  reeds, 
and  fires  kindled  in  several  places ;  but  no  human 
being  was  seen  in  the  neighborhood.  They  found 
large  numbers  of  fishes  and  guanas,  a  sort  of  liz- 
ards, some  hanging  from  the  trees  and  some  upon 
spits  at  the  fires.  "  They  fell  to  their  meat,"  says 
Peter  Martyr,  "  and  eat  the  fish  taken  with  other 
men's  travail,  but  they  abstained  from  the  serpents, 
which  they  affirm  to  differ  nothing  from  the  croco- 
diles of  Egypt,  but  only  in  bigness." 

2.  In  going  about  the  island,  they  saw  a  large 
number  of  the  natives  collected  among  the  high 
rocks.  Signs  of  peace  were  made,  and  one  of  the 
interpreters  went  out  to  meet  them.  In  a  little 
while  they  descended  from  the  rocks,  and  came  out 
on  the  shore.  It  appeared  that  they  had  been  sent 
by  some  neighboring  cacique,  to  obtain  fish  for  a 
great  banquet.  They  were  much  obliged  to  the 
Spaniards  for  not  having  taken  a  fancy  to  their 
guanas,  as  they  esteemed  them  a  great  luxury.  The 
loss  of  fish  they  could  supply  immediately ;  but  Co- 
lumbus ordered  a  sufficient  recompense  to  be  made 
to  them. 

1.  In  what  harbor  did  Columbus  anchor?  What  was  found  on 
lhc  shore  ?  What  docs  Peter  Martyr  say?  2.  What  of  the  na 
lives  ?     What  food  was  in  high  esteem  among  the  Indians  ? 


10S  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

3.  The  admiral  sailed  along  the  coast,  keeping 
very  near  to  it.  Men,  women  and  children  con- 
tinually crowded  to  the  shore,  bringing  whatever 
they  could  find  to  barter  for  beads  and  bells.  All 
inquiries  after  gold  they  answered  by  pointing  to- 
wards the  south.  While  sailing  in  this  direction, 
they  reached  a  beautiful  island,  which  stills  retains 
the  Indian  name  of  Jamaica.  It  was  found  to  be 
very  populous  and  pleasant.  On  attempting  to  land, 
they  were  met  by  a  large  number  of  canoes,  filled 
with  armed  Indians,  who  resisted  their  approach, 
darting  arrows  and  javelins,  and  setting  up  men- 
acing shouts.  Columbus  ordered  a  few  shot  to  be 
fired  among  them;  and  a  large  dog  was  let  loose, 
which  occasioned  great  terror  and  confusion. 

4.  On  the  following  day,  however,  they  again  re- 
sorted  to  the  shore,  and  engaged  in  trafficking  with 
the  Spaniards.  Most  of  them  were  painted  with 
various  colors,  wearing  feathers  upon  their  heads, 
and  palm  leaves  upon  their  breasts.  Some  of  their 
canoes  were  ornamented  with  carved  work  and 
paintings.  These  boats  were  each  made  out  of  a 
single  trunk,  and  many  of  them  were  of  great  size. 
One  was  found  to  be  ninety-six  feet  long  and  eight 
broad. 

5.  Columbus  now  bore  off  for  Cuba,  resolving  to 

3.  Why  did  Columbus  sail  to  the  south  ?  What  island  did  he 
roach  ?  How  did  the  natives  receive  the  Spaniards  1  In  what 
marner  were  the}'  intimidated  ?  4.  Describe  the  Indians.  Their 
<:an  jm 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  109 

eii  several  hundred  leagues  along  the  coast,  and 
liscover  whether  it  were  really  the  continent.  A 
arge  group  of  islands,  through  which  his  ships  now 
>assed,  he  called  the  Queen's  Garden.  When  coast- 
ing along  Cuba,  he  frequently  sent  the  boats  ashore, 
with  several  men,  who  might  inform  themselves  of 
■,he  character  and  products  of  the  country,  and  in- 
quire of  the  natives  as  to  its  extent. 

6.  While  thus  engaged,  they  saw  a  singular 
nanner  of  taking  fish  among  the  natives  of  one  of 
he  islands  of  Queen's  Garden.  "  Like  as  we  with 
freyhounds  do  hunt  hares  in  the  plain  fields,"  says 
'?eter  Martyr,  "  so  do  they  as  it  were  with  a  hunt- 
'  Ag  fish  take  other  fishes."  This  fish  was  of  a  form 
before  unknown  to  the  Spaniards,  having  on  the 
back  part  of  the  head  a  very  rough  skin.  The 
creature  is  tied  by  a  cord  to  the  side  of  the  boat, 
and  let  down  into  the  water.  When  the  Indians 
see  any  great  fish,  or  tortoise,  the  cord  is  loosened, 
and  the  hunting  fish  fastens  upon  it,  retaining  its 
hold  with  so  much  force  that  the  prey  is  drawn  with 
it  to  the  surface  of  the  water,  and  there  secured. 

7.  Some  of  the  sailors  invented  a  strange  story 
to  impose  upon  the  credulity  of  their  comrades,  or 
were  themselves  unaccountably  deceived,  after  the 
following  manner.  They  had  gone  ashore  at  the 
foot  of  a  high  mountain,  to  procure  fuei  and  fresh 

5.  What  islands  did  Columbus  pass  through?  6.  Describe  the 
Indian  manner  of  taking  fish.  7.  Relate  what  happened  to  a 
sailor  in  the  woods. 

10 


1 10  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

water.  Meanwhile  one  of  the  archers  went  into  the 
woods  to  hunt,  and  strayed  to  some  distance  from'  his 
companions.  He  there  saw  a  man  clothed  in  white 
garments,  so  like  a  friar  of  the  order  of  St.  Mary, 
that  he  at  first  thought  it  was  the  admiral's  priest. 
Two  more,  however,  dressed  in  the  same  manner, 
immediately  followed  him ;  and  shortly  after  he  saw 
a  whole  company  of  them.  He  turned  instantly, 
and  fled  to  the  ships. 

8.  On  being  told  of  this,  the  admiral  imagined 
that  he  had  discovered  a  civilized  people,  and  sent 
a  body  of  armed  men  with  orders  to  penetrate  forty 
miles  into  the  country,  till  they  reached  their  settle- 
ments. When  they  had  passed  the  woods,  they 
came  to  a  great  plain  covered  with  very  high  grass,  in 
which  they  could  find  no  pathway,  and  were  so  en- 
tangled by  it  that  they  were  obliged  to  return.  On 
the  next  day  another  body  made  a  similar  attempt, 
and  were  terrified  from  it  by  seeing  the  track  of 
certain  wild  beasts,  which  they  supposed  to  be 
'ions. 

9.  On  their  way  back  to  the  ships,  they  passed 
through  a  wood  where  they  found  a  great  many 
vines  clustering  about  the  trees,  with  many  aromatic 
fruits  and  spices.  They  took  bunches  of  grapes 
with  them,  which  the  admiral  sent  to  Spain,  with 
other  fruits,  which,  however,  soon  perished,     There 

8.  What  did  the  admiral  then  do  ?  What  prevented  the  men 
from  penetrating-  far  into  the  country  1  9.  What  did  they  find 
on  their  return  ? 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS  1 1 1 

were  many  flocks  of  large  cranes  in  the  wood,  and 
it  may  have  been  these,  seen  at  a  distance,  which 
first  excited  the  astonishment  and  fear  of  the 
archer. 

10.  Columbus  pursued  his  voyage  till  he  had 
sailed  along  the  coast  of  Cuba  three  hundred  and 
thirty-five  leagues.  The  natives  could  not  tell  him 
the  extent  of  the  country,  though  they  knew  that  it 
exceeded  twenty  days'  travelling.  Comparing  these 
circumstances  with  his  previous  notions,  he  arrived 
at  the  conclusion  that  "  this  country  was  the  begin- 
ning of  India,  which  he  had  intended  to  come  to 
from  Spain."  He  caused  this  decision  to  be  pub- 
lished on  board  the  three  ships,  and  all  the  seamen 
and  most  skilful  pilots  fully  concurred  with  him  in 
the  opinion.  They  all  declared  under  oath  that 
they  had  no  doubt  upon  the  subject.  The  admiral 
also  swore  to  his  belief,  and  the  clerk  formally  at- 
tested it,  on  board  of  the  Nina,  on  the  twelfth  of 
June. 

11.  At  this  very  time,  a  ship-boy  from  the  mast- 
top  could  have  seen  the  open  sea  beyond  the 
islands  to  the  south  ;  and  if  Columbus  had  continued 
his  course  in  that  direction  but  a  single  day  more, 
he  would  have  arrived  at  the  end  of  his  imagined 
continent.     But  in  this  error  he  lived  and  died : 

10.  What  conclusion  did  Columbus  arrive  at,  while  sailing 
along  the  coast  of  Cuba  ?  What  did  all  the  seamen  concur  la 
believing?  11.  What  would  have  happened  if  Columbus  had 
tailed  a  day  more  to  the  south  ? 


US 


LI  IE  OF  COLUMBUS 


An  old  Indian  presenting  Colnmbus  with  fruits 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  113 

supposing  Cuba  the  extremity  of  the  Asiatic  con 
tinent. 

12.  The  admiral  relinquished  all  further  exam- 
ination of  the  coast,  and  stood  south-east  to  an 
island  which  he  named  Evangelista.  He  here  be- 
came enclosed  in  a  large  bay,  which  he  had  sup- 
posed a  channel  opening  to  the  south-east.  The 
water  in  some  places  in  this  sea  was  as  white  as 
milk;  and  according  to  one  writer,  there  were 
sometimes  such  a  multitude  of  tortoises  that  they 
arrested  the  progress  of  the  ships.  At  length  they 
were  once  more  coasting  along  the  beautiful  and 
luxuriant  shores  of  Cuba. 

13.  Here  Columbus  sought  for  a  pleasant  and 
convenient  harbor,  where  his  weary  crew  might 
find  refreshment  and  repose.  An  incident  occurred 
here,  while  the  admiral  was  hearing  mass  upon 
shore,  that  is  of  considerable  interest.  An  old  man, 
of  great  dignity  and  gravity,  came  towards  them, 
and  behaved  very  reverently  all  the  time  that  the 
ceremony  was  going  on.  When  the  mass  was  over, 
he  presented  with  his  own  hands  to  Columbus  a 
basket  of  fruit ;  and  when  he  had  been  some  time 
entertained  there,  he  requested  permission  to  speak 
a  few  words  through  the  interpreter.  The  amount 
of  this  speech  is  thus  given  by  Peter  Martyr  : — 

What  did  he  suppose  in  respect  to  Cuba  ?  12.  What  of  Evan- 
gelista ?  What  of  the  water  of  the  bay  in  which  the  fleet  was 
enclosed  7     13.  Relate  the  anecdote  of  the  old  man. 

10  * 


114  L1FL'  OF  COLUMBUS. 

14.  •'!  have  been  advertised,  most  mighty 
prince,  that  you  have  of  late  with  great  power  sub- 
dued many  lands  and  regions  hitherto  unknown  to 
you,  and  have  brought  no  little  fear  upon  all  the 
people  and  inhabitants  of  the  same;  the  which 
your  good  fortune  you  shall  bear  with  less  insolence 
if  you  remember  that  the  souls  of  men  have  two 
journeys,  after  they  are  departed  from  this  body  ; 
the  one,  foul  and  dark,  prepared  for  such  as  are  in- 
jurious and  cruel  to  mankind;  the  other,  pleasant 
and  delectable,  ordained  for  them  which  in  their 
time  loved  peace  and  quietness.  If,  therefore,  you 
acknowledge  yourself  to  be  mortal,  and  consider 
that  every  man  shall  receive  condign  reward  or 
punishment  for  such  things  as  he  hath  done  in  this 
life,  you  will  wrongfully  hurt  no  man." 

15.  Columbus  was  much  pleased  and  affected  by 
the  eloquent  wisdom  of  the  old  man,  as  it  was 
conveyed  to  him  by  the  interpreter.  He  answered 
that  the  chief  cause  of  his  coming  was  to  instruct  the 
islanders  in  the  true  religion ;  and  that  he  had 
special  commands  from  his  sovereigns  of  Spain  to 
subdue  and  punish  the  mischievous,  and  defend  the 
innocent  against  violence  from  evil  doers.  The  old 
man  was  delighted  with  the  admiral,  and  was  de- 
sirous to  accompany  him  upon  the  voyage,  notwith- 


14.  Repeat  his  speech  to  the  admiral.     15.  How  was  Columbus 
pleased  with  him  1     VVhat  did  he  tell  him  ? 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  115 

standing  his  extreme  age.     The  entreaties  of  his 
wife  and  children  alone  prevented  him. 

16.  Columbus  remained  several  days  in  the  river, 
which  he  named  from  the  celebration  of  mass  upon 
its  banks.  On  taking  leave  of  his  old  adviser,  he 
steered  south  for  the  open  sea.  He  was  detained  a 
few  days  about  the  islands  of  Queen's  Garden,  by 
storms  and  contrary  winds.  Again  visiting  Jamaica, 
he  was  received  with  confidence  and  kindness ;  and 
at  one  time  a  powerful  cacique  came  in  quite  a 
royal  state  to  see  him.  He  was  quite  richly  orna- 
mented, and  sailed  in  a  very  large  and  handsomely 
carved  and  painted  canoe.  His  wife  and  two 
beautiful  daughters,  with  his  sons  and  brothers,  ac- 
companied him.  He  was  attended  by  a  standard 
bearer,  two  trumpeters,  two  men  beating  upon 
tabors,  and  six  men  in  large  caps  of  white  feathers. 
Besides  these,  he  was  guarded  by  two  canoes  full 
of  his  subjects.      ^ 

17.  This  cacique  was  deeply  impressed  with  the 
power  of  the  Spaniards,  and  was  very  desirous  to 
enibark,  with  his  whole  family,  in  the  fleet.  But 
Columbus  was  aware  of  the  suffering  and  misery 
to  which  they  would  necessarily  be  exposed,  and 
refused  to  grant  his  request.     He  took  leave  of  him 

What  prevented  the  old  man  from  accompanying  Columbus  * 
16.  At  what  islands  was  the  admiral  detained  after  leaving 
Cuba  ?  What  of  the  cacique  of  Jamaica  ?  By  whom  was  he  at- 
tended ?  17.  What  did  he  wish  to  do?  Why  did  Columbus  rc- 
Siise  hi  s  if<;iu<\st? 


I  [  6  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

with  many  expressions  of  regret  and  kindness,  and 
continued  on  his  course. 

18.  On  the  twenty-fourth  of  September,  they  had 
reached  the  eastern  extremity  of  Hispaniola,  and 
pursued  their  voyage  towards  the  south-east.  It 
was  the  design  of  Columbus,  at  the  present  time, 
to  complete  the  discovery  of  the  Caribbee  Islands. 
But  the  fatigues  which  he  had  suffered  during  the 
voyage  had  completely  exhausted  him.  Besides 
his  great  mental  exertions,  he  had  shared  in  the 
bodily  labors  of  the  expedition,  with  more  unwearied 
activity  than  the  best  of  his  seamen.  He  had 
shared  all  their  privations  and  toils  with  them. 
His  body  and  mind  at  length  sunk  under  these  con- 
tinued and  unintermitted  labors.  A  deep  letharg) 
fell  upon  him,  and  his  crew  were  fearful  that  he 
would  die.  He  could  neither  remember,  nor  see, 
nor  hear ;  and  was  carried  back  in  a  state  of  in- 
sensibility to  the  harbor  of  Isabella. 

18.  What  was  the  design  of  the  admiral  ?  How  was  he  affeete«t 
by  h-3  great  exertions  ?     To  what  place  was  he  taken  1 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 


CHAPTER  IX. 


Columbus  meets  tvith  Ms  Brother  Bartholomew.  Account 
of  his  Adventures.  Affairs  at  the  Island  during  the 
Admiral's  Absence.  Bold  Exploit  of  Ojeda.  Captivity 
of  Caonabo.  Arrival  of  four  Ships  from  Spain.  Bat- 
tle ivith  the  Indians.     Imposition  of  Tribute. 

1.  Columbus  was  still  very  sick  when  they 
reached  Isabella,  but  was  filled  with  surprise  and 
joy  to  find  at  his  bed-side  his  brother  Bartholomew. 
It  was  now  about  thirteen  years  since  they  had 
met,  and,  hearing  no  news  at  any  time  of  his  move- 
ments, the  admiral  had  supposed  him  to  be  dead. 
We  have  before  mentioned  the  distresses  that  befell 
Bartholomew  on  his  journey  to  London.  After 
many  years  of  poverty,  he  had  obtained  access  to 
the  king,  and  obtained  promises  of  assistance.  He 
then  returned  to  Spain,  to  bear  the  tidings  of  en- 
couragement to  Columbus. 

2.  In  passing  through  Paris,  he  was  received 
with  great  kindness  by  the  French  monarch,  and 
was  there  first  informed  of  the  splendid  discoveries 
that  had  been  made  in  the  New  World.  The  prince 
then  furnished  him  with  a  hundred  crowns,  to 
pursue  his  route  to  Spain.     Columbus  had  departed 

1.  Who  did  Columbus  see  at  Isabella?  What  had  Bartholomew 
obtained  from  the  king  1     2.  What  of  the  French  monarch  ? 


118  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

on  the  second  voyage  before  his  arrival,  but  the 
sovereigns  provided  him  with  means  to  equip  three 
vessels  freighted  with  supplies  for  the  colony.  He 
was  appointed  to  the  command  of  the  ships,  and 
received  orders  to  aid  his  brother  in  all  his  enter- 
prises. He  reached  Isabella  just  after  the  admiral 
had  departed  for  the  coast  of  Cuba. 

3.  The  supplies  arrived  at  a  very  fortunate  period. 
The  want  of  provision  had  been  very  severely  felt, 
and  occasioned  a  variety  of  maladies.  The  greatest 
evils  had  been  suffered  by  the  troops  under  the 
command  of  Margarite.  This  officer  entirely  dis- 
regarded the  orders  which  Columbus  had  given 
him,  in  respect  to  the  management  and  discipline 
of  the  soldiers.  They  committed  every  violence  upon 
the  unprotected  natives  with  impunity.  They  were 
greedy  of  gold,  wasteful  of  the  food  which  they 
took  by  force  from  the  Indians,  and  licentious  in 
the  extreme. 

4.  Don  Diego  Columbus,  who  had  been  left  in 
command  of  the  colony,  wrote  to  Margarite  in  re- 
monstrance against  the  conduct  of  his  troops.  He 
replied  in  a  tone  of  haughty  defiance,  and  re- 
fused to  recognise  the  authority  of  the  governor 
to  control  his  movements.  A  party  of  the  discon- 
tented  and    turbulent   had    already   been    formed. 


How  many  ships  was  Bartholomew  provided  with  ?  When  did 
he  reach  Isabella?  3.  What  of  the  troops  under  the  command 
of  3Iargarite  1  4.  What  of  Don  Diego  Columbus  ?  What  partv 
had  been  fo.rfie^  ? 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  I !  i> 

The  cavaliers,  who  disliked  the  rigorous  discipline 
of  the  admiral,  joined  with  those  men  who  were 
naturally  indolent,  and  sadly  disappointed  in  their 
expectations  of  gold  ;  and  all  of  them,  countenanced 
by  Margarite,  and  Father  Boil,  a  powerful  priest, 
and  chief  ecclesiastic  of  the  expedition,  were  de- 
sirous of  a  return  to  Spain.  They  accordingly  took 
possession  of  some  of  the  ships  in  the  harbor,  and 
carried  their  purpose  into  effect. 

5.  The  Indians  had  been  exceedingly  incensed 
by  the  violence  and  outrage  of  the  soldiers.  The 
several  caciques  of  the  island,  with  the  exception 
of  Guacanagari,  were  all  eager  for  their  extermina- 
tion. These  caciques  were  five  in  number,  the 
most  powerful  and  warlike  of  whom  was  the  famous 
Caonabo.  Though  timid  and  unused  to  war,  the 
Indians  were  roused  by  the  excesses  that  had  been 
committed.  The  Spaniards  were  attacked  and 
slain,  whenever  a  small  party  of  them  were  unfor- 
tunately exposed  in  a  situation  at  any  distance 
from  the  garrison.  The  dispersion  of  the  army,  at 
the  departure  of  Margarite,  afforded  the  natives 
several  advantages  in  pursuing  their  revenge. 

C).  They  had  now  become  more  bold  and  daring, 
and  at  length  determined  to  attack  the  fortress  of 
St.  Thomas.     A    body  of  ten    thousand    warriors 

What  purpose  did  they  carry  into  effect  1  5.  How  did  the  In- 
dians regard  the  Spaniards  ?  What  of  Caonabo  ?  How  did  the 
natives  revenge  themselves   on  the  Spaniards? 


120  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

were  assembled  for  that  purpose,  under  the  com- 
mand of  Caonabo.  They  made  their  way  secretly 
through  the  forest,  and  came  suddenly  upon  the 
garrison,  which  was  commanded  by  Alonzo  de 
Ojeda,  This  cavalier  was  brave  and  experienced, 
and  the  Indians  failed  to  take  him  by  surprise. 
They  then  endeavored  to  reduce  the  fortress  by 
famine ;  but  in  this,  too,  they  were  disappointed.  At 
length  the  siege  was  raised,  and  the  natives  again 
dispersed  about  the  island. 

7.  This  was  the  state  of  things  when  Columbus 
returned  to  Isabella.  The  evils  which  he  had  in 
some  measure  feared  had  really  broken  out,  and  it 
was  too  late  to  prevent  them.  In  the  course  of  a 
few  days,  he  received  a  visit  from  Guacanagari, 
who  offered  him  any  assistance  in  his  power  to 
bestow.  The  admiral  determined  to  march  in 
person  against  the  caciques,  who  had  united  against 
the  Spaniards.  Before  leaving  Isabella,  however, 
he  was  desirous  of  investing  his  brother  Bar- 
tholomew, to  whom  he  intended  to  give  the  care  of 
the  settlement  during  his  absence,  with  a  title  and 
dignity  sufficient  to  secure  respect.  He  gave  him 
the  title  of  adelantado,  which  signifies  lieutenant 
general ;  an  honor  which  he  richly  deserved  for  his 
valor,  prudence,  and  intelligence. 

8.  Columbus  knew  the  small  number  of  his  own 


6.  Describe  the  attack  upon  the  Spanish  fortress.  7.  What 
did  the  admiral  determine  to  do  ?  What  title  did  he  bestow  upon 
his  brother  Bartholomew  ? 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  121 

forces,  compared  with  the  countless  multitudes  of 
the  enemy.  He  was  anxious,  consequently,  to  at- 
tack them  in  separate  parties,  and  to  make  skill 
and  stratagem  supply  the  place  of  open  force. 
Caonabo  was  by  far  the  most  formidable  and  war- 
like of  the  caciques,  and  the  first  efforts  of  the  ad- 
miral were  directed  to  secure  him  as  a  prisoner. 

9.  This  was  effected  by  a  bold  exploit  of  Alonzo 
de  Ojeda.  This  knight  volunteered  to  capture  Cao- 
nabo, and  deliver  him  alive  to  Columbus.  Taking 
with  him  nine  well  mounted  followers,  he  penetrated 
into  the  forest  as  far  as  Maguana,  the  usual  resi- 
dence of  the  cacique.  He  had  previously  given  out 
the  report  that  he  wns  going,  with  presents,  to  con- 
ciliate the  prince,  and  establish  with  him  a  durable 
peace.  The  small  number  of  his  attendants  pre- 
vented any  suspicion,  and  the  king  received  him 
with  a  great  deal  of  courtesy  and  splendor. 

10.  Ojeda  laid  before  the  king  the  presents  with 
which  he  had  been  charged ;  accompanying  them 
with  many  expressions  of  esteem  from  the  admiral, 
and  of  regret  that  the  good  understanding  with  his 
subjects  should  have  been  interrupted.  He  then 
proposed  certain  conditions,  under  which  he  had 
authority  to  treat.  They  were  very  reasonable  and 
advantageous  to  the  Indians.     Among  other  pres- 

8.  In  what  manner  was  Oolumbus  anxious  to  attack  the  In- 
dians ?     Whom  did  he  wish  to  take  prisoner  1     D.  What  did  Alonzo 
do  Ojed  i  undertake  to  accomplish  1     How  was  he  received  by 
Caonabo  ?     10    What  did  Ojeda  sav  to  him  ? 
11  F 


122  LIFE  OF  COLUMiSUS. 

ents,  lie  promised  Caonabo  the  bell  of  the  chapel  at 
Isabella.  This  had  always  been  an  object  of  great 
wonder  to  the  islanders  when  it  rung,  and  the  Span- 
iards thereupon  went  to  religious  service  :  they  sup- 
posed it  talked,  and  that  the  white  men  obeyed  it. 
The  cacique  had  frequently  expressed  a  great  desire 
to  possess  it,  and  was  very  willing  to  accept  it  as  a 
present  of  peace. 

11.  Ojeda  had  now  secured  a  favorable  recep- 
tion ;  but  the  most  difficult  task  was  still  to  be  ac- 
complished. Caonabo  was  willing  to  visit  the  ad- 
miral, but  only  with  a  large  army,  by  way  of 
letinue.  Ojeda  then  told  the  chieftain  that  he  had 
a  very  particular  mark  of  favor  to  bestow  upon  him, 
and  displayed  a  set  of  beautifully  wrought  manacles 
of  steel,  so  polished  and  shining  as  to  resemble 
silver.  He  gave  him  to  understand,  that  it  was 
the  custom  to  wear  these  marks  of  honor  on  the  feet 
and  hands,  and  that  the  kings  of  Spain  were 
adorned  with  them  at  their  festivals  and  solemn 
dances.  He  then  proposed  that  the  cacique  should 
go  with  him  to  the  river  to  bathe,  and  there  having 
been  decorated  with  these  ornaments,  return  on 
horseback  to  his  subjects. 

12.  The  splendor  of  this  proposal  dazzled  the 
mind  of  the  wary  chieftain.  The  thought  of  wear- 
ing such  ornaments,  and  of  being  mounted  upon  a 

How  was  the  church  bell  regarded  by  the  Indians?  13.  What 
difficult  task  was  still  to  be  accomplished  ? 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  123 

horse,  quite  overcame  him.  He  accompanied  Ojeda 
to  the  river  with  a  very  small  number  of  attendants. 
After  having  bathed,  he  was  seated  behind  the 
Spanish  cavalier,  and  his  manacles  duly  adjusted 
The  party  then  took  two  or  three  circles,  the  terri- 
fied and  astonished  Indians  removing  farther  and 
farther  from  the  formidable  animals  and  their 
favored  chieftain.  At  length,  Ojeda  plunged  into 
the  forest,  and  was  followed  by  his  attendants. 
They  there  drew  their  swords,  and  threatened  him 
with  death  if  he  attempted  to  excite  an  alarm,  or 
effect  his  escape.  He  was  then  bound  with  cords 
to  Ojeda,  and  they  made  their  way  with  all  speed 
to  Isabella. 

13.  The  haughty  Carib  endured  his  captivity 
with  a  sullen  fierceness.  He  treated  Ojeda  always 
with  the  greatest  respect,  for  he  considered  his  ex- 
ploit worthy  of  a  brave  warrior.  He  always  rose 
when  this  cavalier  came  into  the  room,  and  saluted 
him  with  a  token  of  regard.  Towards  Columbus, 
however,  he  would  never  exhibit  any  mark  of  sub- 
mission ;  saying  that  he  would  never  humiliate 
himself  before  a  traitor,  who  did  not  dare  to  execute 
his  own  treason.  The  admiral  was  unwilling  to 
put  his  proud  enemy  to  death,  and  it  was  dangerous 
to  keep  him  a  captive  in  the  island.  He  deter- 
mined, consequently,  to  send  him  to  Spain. 

12.  Relate  the  manner  in  which  Ojeda  succeeded  in  capturing' 
the  Indian  monarch.  13.  How  did  Caonabo  treat  Ojeda  1  Why 
would  he  not  show  any  regard  or  submission  to  Columbus  ?  What 
did  the  admiral  determine  to  do  with  him? 


124  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

14.  The  colony  were  now  greatly  relieved  by 
the  arrival  of  four  ships  with  provisions,  under  the 
command  of  Antonio  de  Tones.  By  the  same  ar- 
rival, Columbus  received  letters  from  the  sovereigns, 
expressing  their  entire  satisfaction  in  the  discharge 
of  his  duties.  They  requested  him,  also,  to  remit 
to  them  full  accounts  of  all  that  he  had  observed 
during  his  voyage,  of  the  islands  he  had  discovered, 
and  the  rare  birds  and  plants  that  he  had  found. 
They  told  him  that  their  differences  with  Portugal 
had  been  amicably  settled,  and  that  they  had 
mutually  agreed  to  draw  a  geographical  line,  which 
should  separate  their  respective  possessions.  These 
letters  gave  him  some  consolation  for  what  he  had 
suffered  in  the  colonies,  and  additional  authority  to 
undertake  what  he  considered  necessary  for  the 
public  good. 

15.  The  captivity  of  Caonabo  incensed  his 
brothers  and  his  subjects.  The  fame  of  this  ca- 
cique throughout  the  island  excited  a  general 
sympathy  in  his  behalf.  His  wife  was  a  woman  of 
great  influence  and  character.  It  was  not  surpris- 
ing, therefore,  that  a  movement  should  have  been 
made  among  all  the  tribes,  to  procure  his  release. 
Guacanagari  alone  remained  friendly  to  the  Span- 
iards. 

16.  News  was  brought   to  Isabella,   that   large 

14.  What  did  the  four  ships  bring  to  the  colony  ?  What  news 
did  Columbus  hear  from  the  sovereigns?  15.  What  effect  had 
the  captivity  of  Caonabo  upon  the  Indians  1 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  123 

numbers  of  Indians  were  assembling  in  the  Vega, 
the  very  beautiful  plain  at  about  two  days'  march 
from  their  settlement.  The  admiral  had  recovered 
his  health,  and  the  number  of  efficient  men  able  to 
engage  in  an  expedition  was  about  two  hundred 
ind  twenty.  With  this  force  he  determined  to  take 
the  field.  On  arriving  at  the  Vega,  he  procured 
certain  intelligence  in  respect  to  the  measures  of 
the  Indians.  They  appeared  to  be  one  hundred 
thousand  in  number,  and  were  commanded  by 
Manicaotex,  the  brother  of  Caonabo.  Their  num- 
bers probably  are  very  much  exaggerated. 

17.  The  battle  that  here  took  place  displays  the 
advantages  possessed  by  both  parties,  in  their  various 
conflicts.  The  Indians  were  naked,  armed  with 
clubs,  stones,  arrows  tipt  with  bones,  and  spears 
hardened  at  the  points  by  fire.  They  were  lurking 
in  the  brush-wood  and  among  the  trees,  making 
the  air  resound  with  their  shouts  of  defiance.  The 
Spaniards  were  clad  in  steel,  armed  with  swords 
and  muskets,  and  marching  to  the  sound  of  drums 
and  trumpets.  Some  of  them  were  mounted  upon 
horses,  so  formidable  to  the  Indians ;  and  the  band 
was  accompanied  by  a  number  of  sanguinary  wolf- 
dogs. 

18.  The  Spaniards  marched  in  several  quarters 


16.  At  what  place  were  the  Indians  assembling?  What  number 
of  Spaniards  did  Columbus  take  against  the  enemy?  What  was 
said  to  be  the  number  of  the  Indians  ?  By  whom  were  the} 
commanded  ?     17.  Describe  the  martial  array  of  both  parlies 

i!  * 


126  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

to  the  attack.  They  discharged  their  fire-arms, 
rushing  furiously  upon  the  naked  savages,  trampling 
them  beneath  the  hoofs  of  their  horses,  and  loosing 
at  once  upon  them  the  fierce  blood-hounds.  It 
was  impossible  for  the  Indians  to  offer  any  resistance 
They  fled  panic-struck,  with  cries  of  terror,  seeking 
refuge  among  the  high  rocks  and  mountains,  howl- 
ing piteously,  offering  every  submission,  and  pray- 
ing only  that  their  lives  might  be  spared.  Many 
were  slain,  many  taken  prisoners,  and  the  whole 
multitude  completely  dispersed. 

19.  By  this  victory  the  Indians  were  reduced  to 
complete  subjection.  The  Spaniards  made  a  tour 
through  the  island  to  receive  the  submission  of  the 
natives,  and  impose  a  tribute  upon  them.  In  the 
region  of  the  gold  mines,  all  the  inhabitants,  over 
fourteen  years  of  age,  were  compelled  to  pay,  every 
three  months,  a  hawk's  bell  full  of  gold.  In  the 
other  provinces,  the  tax  was  changed  to  twenty-five 
pounds  of  cotton. 

20.  Manicaotex,  who  had  been  one  of  the  leaders 
of  the  revolt,  was  obliged  to  render  a  monthly 
tribute  of  a  gourd  full  of  gold  dust.  Guarionex, 
having  no  mines,  nor  streams  with  golden  sands, 
offered  to  cultivate  a  large  extent  of  country  *br 
the  use  of  the  Spaniards,  and  sow  it  with  corn.  A 
sort  of  brass  medul  was  stamped,  and  given  to  each 

18.  What  was  the  result  of  the  attack  of  the  Spaniards  ?  19 
What  tax  was  imposed  upon  the  natives  ?  20.  For  what  pur- 
pose were  medals  given  to  the  Indians? 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUfc.  127 

Indian  who  payed  his  tribute,  as  a  receipt.  This 
was  to  be  worn  about  the  neck,  and  all  who  were 
found  without  it  were  punished. 

21.  Thus  was  the  yoke  completely  fastened  upon 
(his  unhappy  race.  Their  accustomed  indolence 
was  exchanged  for  weary  and  continual  toil,  beneath 
the  eye  of  relentless  task-masters.  Some  found  it 
impossible  to  collect  the  required  tribute,  and  fled 
for  safety  to  the  rocks  and  caverns  of  the  moun- 
tains. But  even  here  they  were  pursued  and  taken 
by  their  oppressors.  All  their  efforts  at  defence  or 
retaliation  were  fruitless.  Many  perished  of  hunger 
and  wretchedness  in  the  places  where  they  had 
gathered  for  refuge.  Their  peace  and  happiness 
had  been  lost  forever.  Even  the  friendly  Indians 
were  loaded  with  oppressive  tributes,  and  Guacan- 
agari  perished  in  obscurity  and  want. 


21.  Relate  the  sufferings  of  the   unfortunate  savages.     What 
became  of  the  friendly  Guacanagari  1 


128  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 


CHAPTER  X. 

Arrival  of  Juan  Aguado.  Interview  with  Columbus 
Violent  Storm.  Discovery  of  Mines.  Return  to  Spam. 
Reception  of  Columbus  at  Court.  Equipment  of  Ves- 
sels. Delays.  Departure  on  the  third  Voyage.  Dis- 
covery of  La  Trinidad.     Adventure  with  the  JVatives. 

1.  The  island  having  been  thus  brought  to  obe- 
dience, Columbus  determined  to  return  to  Spain. 
He  knew  that  he  had  active  enemies  at  court,  who 
would  take  every  occasion  to  injure  him  in  the  eyes 
of  his  sovereign.  However  great  his  services,  he 
was  aware  of  the  power  of  unceasing  malice  and 
misrepresentation,  in  men  of  powerful  influence, 
when  exerted  against  the  absent  and  envied.  Pedro 
Margarite  and  Father  Boil  had  been  busily  engaged 
in  laying  their  accusations  before  the  sovereigns, 
and  it  was  determined  that  a  person  of  trust  and 
confidence  should  be  sent  to  Hispaniola,  to  inquire 
into  existing  abuses. 

2.  At  the  time  of  the  arrival  of  this  officer,  a 
weak  and  insolent  creature,  named  Juan  Aguado, 
the  admiral  was  engaged  with  the  Indians,  in  the 
interior  of  the  island.  The  adelantado  commanded 
in  his  place.     Aguado  treated  him  with  great  haugh- 

1.  Of  what  was  Columbus  aware  ?  What  of  Pedro  Margarite 
and  Father  Boil  ?  2.  What  officer  was  sent  from  Spain  to  look 
tnto  Columbus  s  affairs  ? 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  VZ9 

(iness,  using  menaces,  and  going  beyond  the 
powers  which  had  been  granted  to  him  by  the 
crown  The  adelantado  requested  to  see  the  com- 
mission under  which  he  acted ;  but  he  replied,  with 
a  great  dea]  of  insolence,  that  he  would  show  it  to 
no  one  but  the  admiral.  A  few  days  afterwards,  he 
set  out  for  the  interior,  proclaiming  that  he  had 
come  to  examine  into  the  affairs  of  Columbus,  and 
deliver  the  island  from  his  tyranny.  All  the  dis- 
contented and  vicious  of  the  colony  crowded  about 
his  banners,  to  murmur  and  complain  against  the 
admiral. 

3.  Columbus  repaired  to  Isabella  immediatel) 
on  hearing  of  his  arrival ;  and  here  the  first  inter- 
view took  place  between  them.  The  admiral 
treated  Aguado  with  the  greatest  moderation,  and 
professed  himself  willing,  in  all  things,  to  obey  the 
suggestions  of  his  sovereigns.  He  declared  his  in- 
tention to  return  at  once  to  Spain,  and  give  in 
person  a  statement  of  the  situation  of  affairs,  and 
the  course  of  his  own  administration.  Aguado  de- 
termined to  accompany  him. 

4.  When  the  ships  were  ready  to  set  sail,  they 
were  attacked  by  a  violent  tempest.  Large  trees 
on  the  island  were  torn  up  by  the  roots,  and  the 
sea  rose  higher  than  it  was  ever  known  to  have 
risen   before.     Three   of  the    ships   were   whirled 

How  did  Aguado  treat  the  adelantado  ?     What  did  he  then  do  1 

3.  What    of  the    interview  between  the   admiral  and  Agua'do  ? 

4.  Describe  the  tempest. 

F  2 


130  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

round  as  they  lay  at  anchor,  and,  with  all  who  were 
on  board,  carried  to  the  bottom.  The  others  were 
tossed  about  on  the  waves,  dashed  against  each 
other,  and  carried  mere  wrecks  to  the  shore.  The 
only  vessel  that  survived,  capable  of  being  repaired, 
was  the  Nina;  and  one  more  caravel  was  im- 
mediately constructed  out.  of  the  wrecks  of  those 
which  had  been  destroyed. 

5.  While  repairing  the  vessels,  they  received  in- 
telligence, from  some  neighboring  caciques,  that 
there  were,  in  a  certain  place  towards  the  south, 
mines  very  rich  with  gold.  Miguel  Diaz  and 
Francisco  de  Garay  were  immediately  despatched 
with  an  escort,  and  Indian  guides,  to  ascertain  the 
truth  of  the  report.  They  travelled  as  far  as  a 
river  called  Hayna,  into  which  they  were  told  that 
a  number  of  brooks  with  golden  sands  flowed. 
They  found  things  as  they  had  been  represented, 
and  carried  back  a  quantity  of  gold  dust  and  ore  to 
the  admiral.  This  discovery  was  very  seasonable. 
Columbus  knew  that  the  secret  of  filling  the  coffers 
of  his  sovereigns  was  a  sure  safeguard  of  their 
favor. 

6.  The  new  caravel  being  finished,  and  the  Nina 
repaired,  arrangements  were  made  for  immediate 
departure.  On  the  tenth  of  March,  1496,  they  set 
sail  from  Isabella;  the  two  brothers  of  Columbus 

5.  Who  were  despatched  in  search  of  gold?  What  success  hao 
they  1  What  river  had  golden  sands  ?  6.  When  did  the  fleet  set 
sail  fro,-*]   Isabella  1.     Whom  did  Columbus  leave  behind  ? 


LIFE  OF  COLUMEUS.  131 

being  left  in  the  government  during  his  absence. 
In  one  of  the  caravels  the  admiral  commanded,  in 
the  other  Aguado.  The  ships  were  crowded  with 
the  sick,  the  discontented  and  the  vicious  of  the 
colony.  About  thirty  Indians,  among  whom  was 
the  formidable  Caonabo,  also  embarked  with  them. 

7.  On  the  tenth  of  April,  Columbus  reached 
Guadaloupe,  and  anchored  with  the  intention  of 
sending  ashore  for  wood  and  water.  As  the  boat 
was  nearing  the  land,  a  large  number  of  females 
appeared  upon  the  banks,  armed  with  bows  and 
arrows,  and  determined  to  resist  their  approach. 
Two  Indians,  who  were  on  board,  then  leaped  into 
the  water,  and  swam  to  the  shore.  They  told  these 
Amazons  that  no  harm  was  intended  them,  and  that 
their  visiters  wanted  nothing  but  a  little  wood  and 
water.  In  reply,  they  informed  the  Spaniards  that 
their  husbands  were  at  a  distant  part  of  the  island, 
and  that  they  could  not  bargain  with  them  during 
their  absence. 

8.  The  Spaniards  were  hardly  satisfied  with  this 
answer,  and  accordingly  rowed  towards  the  land. 
They  were  met  by  a  shower  of  arrows,  which, 
fortunately,  did  no  injury.  A  musket  was  then 
discharged,  and  the  Indians  fled  immediately  to 
the  woods.  They  were  pursued,  and  about  forty 
of  them  taken,  among  whom  was  the  wife  of  the 

Of  what  men  was  the  crew  composed  7  7.  What  island  did 
(lolumbus  reach  on  the  tenth  of  April  7  Who  appeared  upon  the 
nanks  7     What  then  happened  7 


132  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS 

cacique.  Presents  were  given  to  the  prisoners,  and 
they  were  treated  very  kindly.  The  desired  con- 
fidence was  gained  by  this  conduct,  and  no  further 
difficulty  ensued  in  procuring  the  articles  they 
wanted. 

9.  Having  furnished  themselves  with  bread,  wood 
and  water,  on  the  twentieth  of  April  they  set  sail 
from  Guadaloupe.  They  had  but  little  wind,  and 
the  ships  were  full  of  people.  In  about  a  month, 
they  began  to  feel  severely  the  want  of  provisions. 
They  were  obliged  to  be  put  upon  very  small 
allowance.  The  pilots  had  no  idea  of  the  true  sit- 
uation of  the  vessels.  Meanwhile  their  sufferings 
increased,  and  became  so  intolerable  that  it  was 
even  proposed  to  throw  the  Indians  overboard,  in 
order  to  lessen  the  consumption  of  the  little  food 
they  had  remaining.  Before  they  came  to  this  ex- 
tremity, they  however,  reached  the  land.  In  the 
course  of  this  voyage,  their  brave  and  unfortunate 
prisoner,  Caonabo,  perished ;  maintaining  his  sul- 
len pride  and  melancholy  to  the  last. 

10.  When  Columbus  arrived  at  Cadiz,  he  found 
three  caravels  in  the  harbor  ready  to  set  sail  for 
Hispaniola.  By  these  vessels  the  admiral  despatched 
letters  to  his  brother,  to  inform  him  of  his  safe  re- 
turn, and  to   give  him  further  instructions  in  re- 

8.  What  did  the  Spaniards  gain  by  their  kindness  to  the  In- 
dians ?  9.  Relate  the  sufferings  of  the  crew  after  they  set  sai 
from  Guadaloupe.  What  became  of  Caonabo?  10.  What  did 
Columbus  find  at  Cadiz  ? 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  133 

spect  to  the  government  of  the  colony.  He  then 
immediately  repaired  to  Burgos,  at  that  time  the 
ordinary  residence  of  the  court.  The  sovereigns 
were  absent ;  but  they  both  soon  returned,  not  only 
to  give  him  a  favorable  reception,  but  to  load  him 
with  thanks  and  kindness.  The  accusations  of  his 
enemies  were  passed  by  in  silence,  either  because 
their  majesties  believed  them  to  be  entirely  un- 
founded, or  as  of  no  weight,  when  compared  with 
the  great  services  and  unquestionable  fidelity  of 
Columbus. 

11.  The  admiral  was  encouraged  by  this  unex- 
pected reception.  He  requested  the  immediate 
equipment  of  six  ships,  three  of  which  were  to  be 
freighted  with  provisions  and  necessary  utensils  and 
implements  for  the  colony  at  Isabella,  and  the  rest 
to  remain  under  his  own  direction.  This  demand 
appeared  very  reasonable,  but  the  sovereigns  sug- 
gested that  it  was  immediately  important  to  found  a 
solid  establishment,  on  which  succeeding  colonies 
might  be  modelled.  The  propriety  of  this  was  ob- 
vious. It  was  arranged  that  the  sovereigns,  at  their 
own  charge,  should  transport  a  large  number  of 
sailors,  soldiers,  laborers,  mechanics  and  artists  to 
Hispaniola.     To   these,  surgeons,  physicians    and 

W.tat  did  he  then  do  ?  How  was  the  admiral  received  by  the 
sovereigns?  What  of  the  accusations  against  him  ?  11.  What 
request  did  Columbus  make?  What  did  the  sovereigns  deem 
important  1  Who  were  to  be  sent  to  Hispaniola  to  form  a 
colony  ? 

12 


134  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

priests  were  added.  The  admiral  also  obtained 
permission  to  carry  a  number  of  musicians,  to  solace 
them  in  their  labors,  and  amuse  them  in  their 
leisure  hours.  We  are  told  that  lawyers  and  ad- 
vocates were  to  be  expressly  excluded  by  edict,  in 
order  to  prevent  quarrelling  in  the  new  domin- 
ions. 

12.  Nothing  could  have  been  more  prudently  de 
vised  than  the  greater  part  of  these  regulations. 
There  was  one  proposal  of  Columbus,  however,  ex- 
tremely pernicious  to  the  interests  of  the  rising 
colony.  He  suggested  the  transportation  of  con- 
victed criminals,  and  of  those  confined  in  prison  for 
debts  which  they  could  never  hope  to  pay,  as  a 
commutation  for  the  punishment  to  which  they 
would  otherwise  be  subject.  This  advice  was  given 
in  consequence  of  the  present  difficulty  of  procuring 
men  willing  to  embark  in  the  expedition.  The 
evils  which  had  befallen  their  countrymen  deterred 
those  who  could  live  in  peace  and  prosperity  in 
Spain  from  going  to  the  Indies.  But  the  proposi- 
tion of  Columbus  was  most  unwise  and  injurious. 

13.  In  spite  of  this  expedient,  there  was  still  an 
t:n accountable  delay  in  preparing  for  the  proposed 
voyage.  This  was  owing  to  the  obstacles  continu- 
ally raised  by  the  envious  and  cold-blooded  Fonseca, 
the  old  enemy  of  Columbus.     He  was  high  in  power, 

12.  What  proposal  did  Columbus  make  in  regard  to  debtors  ? 
13.  What    oecasioned    the    delay    in  the  preparatory   tor    tiw 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  135 

and  surrounded  by  vile  minions,  who  took  every 
occasion  to  injure  and  insult  the  admiral.  He  bore 
all  this  delay,  all  this  accumulated  injustice  and 
meanness,  in  indignant  but  silent  contempt.  It 
was  impossible  that  he  should  not  suffer,  but  it  was 
beneath  him  to  murmur  or  repine. 

14.  Columbus  set  sail  on  his  third  voyage  of  dis- 
covery on  the  thirtieth  of  May,  1498.  He  deter- 
mined on  following  a  course  much  farther  south 
than  the  track  he  had  previously  pursued.  On  the 
nineteenth  of  June  he  touched  at  Gomera,  which 
he  left  on  the  twenty-first,  dividing  his  fleet  off  the 
island  of  Ferro.  Three  ships  were  sent  directly 
for  Hispaniola,  and  with  the  others  the  admiral 
pursued  his  course  towards  the  Cape  de  Verd 
Islands.  He  remained  there  but  a  very  few  days, 
being  disappointed  in  his  hope  of  procuring  pro- 
vision, and  his  people  suffering  from  the  unhealthy 
climate.  They  then  continued  their  voyage  to- 
wards the  south-west. 

15.  About  the  thirteenth  of  July,  they  experi- 
enced a  sultry  heat,  which  continued  for  about  ten 
days.  They  were  in  that  region  which  is  known 
by  the  name  of  the  calm  latitudes.  The  ships  re- 
mained motionless  upon  the  water.  The  rays  of 
the  sun  burned  like  the  heat  of  a  furnace.     The 


How  did  Columbus  bear  the  insults  of  Fonseca  and  his  minions? 
14.  When  did  Columbus  set  sail  on  his  third  voyage  of  discovery  ? 
How  did  he  divide  his  fleet  ?  Why  did  he  visit  the  Cape  de  Verd 
Islands  ?     15.  In  what  region  did  the  crew  suffer  with  the  heat  J 


136  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

seamen  became  sick  and  weak,  and  the  air  was 
oppressive  and  stifling.  During  this  time,  the  ad- 
miral was  very  ill ;  but  he  continued  his  usual  vigi- 
lance and  care.  He  determined  to  change  their 
course  to  the  westward,  where  he  expected  to  find 
a  cooler  temperature.  Nor  was  he  deceived.  In  a 
few  days  they  were  greeted  by  cooling  breezes  an<3 
by  clear  skiea 

16.  Columbus  had  intended,  on  reaching  tins 
region,  to  continue  his  course  once  more  to  the 
south-west.  But  his  ships  had  been  so  much  in- 
jured by  the  parching  heat,  that  it  was  necessary  to 
make  for  the  nearest  port  in  order  to  refit.  Much 
of  the  provision  also  had  been  spoiled,  and  the 
water  was  almost  exhausted.  He  kept  therefore 
directly  to  the  west.  After  continuing  several  days 
in  this  course  without  coming  to  land,  he  steered 
northwardly  for  the  Caribbee  Islands.  On  the 
thirty-first  of  July,  a  sailor  at  the  mast-head  gave 
the  cry  of  "  Land."  He  beheld  at  adistance  the  tops 
of  three  mountains.  Columbus  had  determined  to 
give  the  name  of  the  Trinity  to  the  first  land  he 
should  meet.  He  accordingly  called  this  newly 
discovered  island  La  Trinidad. 

17.  Anchoring,  and  sending  the  boats  on  shore, 
the  wearied  and  thirsty  mariners  were  overjoyed  at 
finding  a  pure  stream  of  cool  water  flowing  in  great 

How  were  they  relieved  ?  16.  How  had  the  admiral  intended 
to  continue  his  course  1  What  island  did  he  discover  1  17 
What  did  the  sailors  see  on  landing  ? 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  137 

abundance.  They  filled  the  casks,  and  returned 
to  the  ships  without  seeing  any  of  the  inhabitants. 
They  saw  some  of  their  footsteps  upon  the  sand,  and 
several  fishing  implements,  which  they  had  left  be- 
hind them  in  their  flight.  There  were  tracks  also 
of  animals  which  the  Spaniards  supposed  to  be 
goats,  though  it  was  learned  afterwards  that  they 
were  probably  deer. 

18.  Columbus  continued  coasting  to  the  south 
west  point  of  Trinidad,  to  which  he  gave  the  name 
of  Point  Arenal.  Near  this  place  the  ships  cast 
anchor.  A  large  canoe  here  put  off  from  the  shore, 
in  which  there  were  about  five-and-twenty  Indians, 
who  cried  out  to  them  in  a  language  which  no  one 
in  the  ships  could  understand.  Columbus  en- 
deavored to  prevail  upon  them  to  come  on  board, 
but  to  no  purpose.  They  remained  gazing  at  the 
ships  with  the  paddles  in  their  hand,  ready  for  instant 
escape.  Their  complexion  was  fairer  than  that  of 
any  Indians  they  had  before  seen.  They  were 
almost  naked,  and,  besides  the  usual  bows  and 
ariows,  they  carried  bucklers — a  piece  of  armoi 
which  they  had  never  before  seen  among  the  na 
tives  of  the  New  World. 

19.  Columbus,  having  tried  every  other  means  to 
attract  them,  and  in  vain,  determined  to  try  the 
power  of  music.     He  ordered  a  sort  of  Indian  dance 


13.  How  many  Indians  came  from  the  shore  at  Point  Arenal  1 
Describe  them. 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS 


The  Indians  shooting  at  the  Spaniards  with  their  arrow* 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  139 

to  be  executed  on  the  deck  of  his  ship,  while  the 
musicians  on  board  sung  and  played  upon  their 
different  instruments.  The  natives  mistook  this  for 
a  signal  of  battle,  and  immediately  discharged  their 
arrows.  A  return  from  a  couple  of  cross-bows  sent 
them  paddling  over  the  water,  in  a  great  hurry,  for 
the  shore :  and  nothing  more  was  seen  of  them. 


CHAPTER  XI. 

Trinidad.  Sioell  of  Waters  in  the  Gidf.  Traffic  ivith 
the  Indians.  The  Gardens.  Pearls.  The  Strait  of 
the  Dragon's  Mouth.  Indians  fishing  for  Pearls.  Re- 
turn to  Hispaniola.  Affairs  daring  his  Absence.  Ad- 
venture of  Miguel  Diaz.  Settlement  of  St.  Domingo. 
March  against  Behechio. 

1.  Columbus,  without  knowing  it,  was  now  really 
in  the  neighborhood  of  the  continent.  While  an- 
chored at  Point  Arenal,  the  extremity  of  the  island 
of  Trinidad,  he  saw  high  land  towards  the  north- 
west, about  fifteen  leagues  distant,  which  he  called 
Isla  de  Gracia.     This  was  the  province  to  which  lie 

19.  How  v  ere  they  affected  by  the  music  and  dancing-  on 
board  the  admiral's  ship. 

1.  Where  was  Columbus  actually  at  this  lime  ?  What  name 
did  he  give  to  the  high  land  to  the  north  west  ? 


140  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS 

afterwards   gave   the   name  of  Paria,   and    which 
formed  a  part  of  the  continent. 

2.  They  found  in  Trinidad  the  same  kind  of 
fruits  that  abounded  in  Hispaniola.  There  were 
also  large  quantities  of  oysters  there,  and  a  great 
number  of  parrots,  with  every  variety  of  beautiful 
and  brilliant  plumage.  They  met  a  cacique  of  the 
island,  who  was  observed  to  be  very  much  pleased 
with  a  cap  which  the  admiral  wore,  made  of  crimson 
velvet.  He  paid  Columbus  great  respect,  and, 
taking  a  circle  of  gold  from  his  own  head,  ex- 
changed it  for  the  crimson  cap. 

3.  In  the  strait  formed  between  Trinidad  and 
the  main  land,  they  were  nearly  swallowed  up  by 
the  violence  of  the  waters.  Two  very  rapid  cur- 
rents, setting  in  from  opposite  quarters,  lifted  the 
ships  violently  to  a  great  height,  on  a  mountain  of 
surges.  The  waves,  however,  gradually  subsided, 
and  they  escaped  without  injury.  To  this  pass  Co- 
lumbus gave  the  name  of  Boca  de  la  Sierpe,  or  the 
Mouth  of  the  Serpent.  They  soon  found  them- 
selves, by  the  assistance  of  favorable  breezes,  in  a 
tranquil  gulf,  sailing  quietly  beyond  the  reach  of 
danger. 

4.  Columbus  was  astonished  to  find  the  water  of 
this  gulf  fresh,  and  to  observe  its  great  smoothness 
and  stillness.     It  was  at  a  period  of  the  year  when 

To  what  name  did  he  afterwards  change  it  ?  2.  What  did  they 
find  in  Trinidad  1  What  of  the  cacique  ?  3.  What  of  the  strai 
called  Boca  de  la  Sierpe  ?    4.  What  astonished  Columbus  1 


LIFE  o:    COLUMBUL  141 

the  rain  fell  in  large  quantities,  and  the  swollen 
fivers  emptied  themselves  so  copiously,  as  to  over- 
come the  natural  saltness  of  the  sea.  He  found 
many  good  harbors,  as  he  proceeded  towards  the 
north,  much  cultivated  land,  and  many  rivers. 
Going  ashore  at  different  times,  the  seamen  found 
grapes,  apples,  a  kind  of  orange,  and  a  great  many 
monkeys. 

5.  On  Monday,  the  sixth  of  August,  a  canoe, 
with  five  men  in  it,  came  off  to  the  nearest  caravel, 
and  one  of  the  Spaniards  requested  them  to  carry 
him  ashore.  Leaping  into  the  boat,  he  overset  it, 
and  the  Indians  were  taken  and  carried  to  the  ad- 
miral. Their  complexion  was  like  that  of  the  na- 
tives they  had  seen  in  the  neighborhood.  The  ad- 
miral treated  them  kindly,  and  gave  them  hawks' 
bells,  glass  beads,  and  sugar.  They  were  then 
sent  on  shore,  and  gave  so  favorable  an  account  of 
their  visit,  tkat  great  numbers  collected  about  the 
ships. 

6.  These  were  received  in  a  similar  manner, 
and  brought  bread,  and  water,  and  a  sort  of  green 
wine,  to  exchange  for  the  trifles  that  the  crews  were 
willing  to  give  them.  They  all  carried  bucklers, 
bows,  and  poisoned  arrows.  On  the  next  day,  a 
number  of  friendly  Indians  came  on  board,  bringing 
bread,    corn,    and   other  provisions,  together   with 


What  did  he  find  as  he  proceeded  ?  What  of  fruits  ?  5.  Re 
'ate  the  adventure  of  the  Spaniard  and  the  canoe.  6.  What 
traffic  was  carried  on  with  the  natives  f 


142  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

pitchers  of  a  white  beverage,  like  wine,  and  a  green 
liquor  made  from  maize  and  various  fruits.  They 
set  no  value  upon  the  beads,  but  were  much  pleased 
with  the  hawks'  bells,  and  held  brass  in  very  high 
estimation. 

7.  Columbus,  on  the  following  morning,  took  six 
Indians,  to  serve  as  guides,  and  continued  his 
voyage.  He  next  touched  at  a  point  which  he 
called  Aguja,  or  the  Needle.  The  country  about 
was  very  populous  and  highly  cultivated,  and  so 
beautiful  that  Columbus  gave  it  the  name  of  the 
Gardens.  Many  of  the  inhabitants  visited  the  ships, 
with  wrought  cotton  cloths  about  their  heads  and 
loins,  and  little  plates  of  gold  about  their  necks. 
These  they  would  have  been  very  glad  to  exchange 
for  hawks'  bells ;  but  the  stock  of  these  articles  was 
exhausted.  The  Spaniards  procured  some  of  them, 
however,  and  were  told  that  there  were  islands  in 
the  neighborhood  which  abounded  in  gold,  though 
they  were  inhabited  by  cannibals. 

8.  Some  of  the  females  who  came  on  board  wore 
strings  of  beads  about  their  arms,  among  which 
were  a  number  of  pearls.  These  excited  the  curiosity 
and  avarice  of  the  Spaniards  at  once  The  boat 
was  sent  on  shore  to  ascertain  the  direction  of  tne 
countries  where  they  might  be  found.  The  sailors 
who  went  in  the  boat  were  received  in  a  very  hos- 


7.  What  name  did  Columbus  give  to  the  country  about  the  point 
Aguja?     What  of  the  natives  1     8.  Why  was  a  boat  sent  ashore 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  143 

pitable  manner,  and  conducted  to  a  large  house 
where  they  were  feasted  by  the  natives.  Various 
kinds  of  bread  and  fruit  were  set  before  them,  and 
white  and  red  liquors,  resembling  wine.  These 
Indians  had  fairer  skins,  and  were  more  kind  and 
intelligent  than  any  they  had  before  met  with. 

9.  On  the  fourteenth  of  August,  the  ships  ap- 
proached the  formidable  pass  to  which  they  had 
given  the  name  of  the  Boca  del  Dragon,  or  the 
Dragon's  Mouth.  This  was  a  strait  between  the 
extremity  of  Trinidad  and  Cape  JBoto,  at  the  end  of 
Paria,  and  was  about  five  leagues  in  width.  In  the 
mean  distance  there  were  two  islands.  The  sea  at 
this  pass  is  very  turbulent,  foaming  as  if  it  were 
breaking  over  rocks  and  shoals.  The  ships  passed 
it,  however,  in  safety,  and  stood  for  the  westward, 
where  they  had  been  told  the  pearl  regions  were  to 
be  found. 

10.  Columbus  was  charmed  with  the  beauty  of 
the  coast  along  which  their  course  now  lay.  He 
touched  at  various  islands  during  the  voyage,  two  of 
which  were  afterwards  famous  for  their  pearl  fishery. 
These  were  called  Margarita  and  Cubagua.  As 
the  admiral  was  approachfng  this  latter  island,  he 
saw  a  number  of  Indians  in  their  canoes,  fishing 
for  pearls.  They  immediately  fled  towards  the 
land.    A  boat  was  sent  in  pursuit,  and  a  sailor,  who 

How  were  the  sailors  entertained  ?  9.  To  what  strait  did  Co- 
lumbus  give  the  name  of  Boca  del  Dragon  ?  10.  What  were 
Margarita  and  Cubagua  famous  for  ? 


144 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS 


A   sailor  trading  with  an  Indian  girl  for  pearls 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  145 

saw  a  woman  with  a  large  number  of  pearls  about 
her  neck;  broke  up  a  piece  of  painted  Valencian 
ware,  ana  gave  the  fragments  to  her  in  exchange 
for  them. 

11.  These  were  carried  to  the  admiral,  who  im- 
mediately sent  the  boat  back  with  a  quantity  of 
Valencian  ware  and  little  bells.  In  a  short  time, 
the  sailors  returned  with  about  three  pounds  of 
pearls  ;  some  were  small,  but  others  were  of  con 
siderable  size.  It  has  been  said  that  if  Columbus 
had  seen  fit  to  remain  here,  he  could  have  collected 
a  sufficient  quantity  of  pearls  to  pay  all  the  ex- 
penses that  had  hitherto  accrued  in  the  discovery 
and  settlement  of  the  New  World.  But  he  was  in 
haste  to  return  to  Hispaniola.  His  crew  had  be- 
come impatient,  and  he  was  himself  sick,  and 
suffering  under  a  violent  disorder  in  his  eyes. 

12.  The  region  which  he  had  called  Paria,  Co- 
lumbus supposed  to  have  been  the  situation  of  the 
terrestrial  paradise.  He  believed  it  to  be  elevated 
above  the  rest  of  the  world,  and  to  enjoy  an  equality 
of  day  and  night.  The  fresh  water  which  sweet- 
ened the  gulf  of  Paria,  he  supposed  to  flow  from 
the  stream  spoken  of  in  Scripture,  which  had  its 
fountain  in  the  garden  of  Eden  !  The  admiral,  how- 
ever, did  not  long  indulge  this  imagination, "  which," 

What  did  a  sailor  give  an  Indian  woman  in  excnange  (or 
pearls?  11.  How  many  pearls  were  obtained  at  CubA»ua? 
Why  did  not  the  admiral  remain  longer  at  this  place  ?  12.  What 
did  he  imagine  the  country  of  Paria  to  be  ? 

13  G 


54G  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

savs  Charlevoix,  "  we  may  consider  as  one  of  those 
fantasies  to  which  great  men  are  more  subject  than 
any  other." 

13.  Columbus  now  sailed  direct  for  Hispaniola ; 
and  it  is  necessary  to  explain  what  happened  there 
during  his  absence  in  Spain,  and  along  the  coast 
of  Paria,  in  order  to  understand  subsequent  occur- 
rences. 

14.  In  his  first  letters  to  the  adelantado,  by  the 
caravels  which  sailed  just  after  his  arrival  in  Spain, 
Columbus  had  recommended  the  establishment  of  a 
new  colony,  to  be  made  near  the  mines  recently  dis- 
covered upon  the  southern  coast.  He  had  observed 
fine  fields  and  spacious  harbors  in  that  direction, 
and  lands  which  appeared  to  be  very  pleasant  and 
fertile.  No  orders  were  given  as  to  the  selection  of 
a  particular  spot,  but  the  adelantado  was  requested 
to  attend  to  it  in  person.  The  letters  arrived  just 
as  arrangements  Were  making  for  an  enterprise  of 
this  very  description. 

15.  A  young  Arragonese,  by  the  name  of  Miguel 
Diaz,  had  unfortunately  wounded  a  companion  in 
a  sudden  quarrel.  Pie  was  the  same  person  who 
had  been  selected  by  the  admiral  to  examine  the 
newly  discovered  mines.  Fearing  the  conse- 
quences of  this  accident,  he  immediately  fled 
Pursuing  an  eastern  course,  and  then  turning  off 

13.  For  what  place  did  Columbus  now  sail  ?  14.  What  had  Co- 
lumbus recommended  the  adelantado  to  do  ?  At  what  time  did 
[he  letters  arrive  ?     15.  What  of  Miguel  Diaz  7 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  14? 

towards  the  south,  he  finally  rested  at  the  mouth  of 
the  river  Ozuma.  He  here  found  an  Indian  settle- 
ment, and  was  kindly  received  by  the  female 
cacique  who  governed  it. 

16.  This  princess  soon  formed  a  strong  attach- 
ment for  Miguel  Diaz,  and  was  desirous  to  retain 
him  by  her  side.  She  accordingly  proposed  that  a 
Spanish  colony  should  be  established  in  the  neigh- 
borhood. She  pointed  out  the  advantages  of  the. 
situation,  at  the  mouth  of  a  fine  river,  with  a  con- 
venient harbor,  with  an  adjacent  country  of  great 
fertility  and  beauty,  and  in  the  immediate  vicinity 
of  the  mines.  If  the  inhabitants  of  Isabella  would 
remove  there,  she  said  she  would  provide  them  with 
every  thing  they  might  need. 

17.  The  young  Spaniard  thought  this  a  favorable 
opportunity  to  regain  the  situation  he  had  lost. 
He  entered  with  joy  into  the  plans  of  his  benefac- 
tress, and  proceeded  to  Isabella  to  make  known 
the  offers  of  the  cacique.  On  approaching  the 
village,  he  learned  that  the  wound  of  his  comrade 
had  been  healed,  and  that  he  had  quite  recovered. 
This  encouraged  him  to  present  himself  before  Don 
Bartholomew,  with  whom  he  had  previously  lived, 
and  who  gave  him  as  kind  a  reception  as  he  could 
have  wished.  „ 

18.  The   offers   made   to   the    addantado   were 


lb    What  did  the  female  cacique  propose  and  promise  '.'     17. 
What  did  Miguel  then  do  ?     How  did  Bartholomew  receive  him  1 


148  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

sufficient  to  induce  him  to  undertake  the  settlement 
of  a  colony,  and,  on  receiving  his  brother's  letter,  ne 
set  about  it  without  delay  On  arriving  at  the 
dominions  of  the  Indian  princess,  he  found  every 
thing  as  it  had  been  represented.  The  plan  of  the 
new  settlement  was  immediately  traced,  and  in  a 
very  short  time,  most  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  old 
village  had  removed  there.  This  town  received 
the  name  of  St.  Domingo. 

19.  The  situation  of  the  new  town  was  a  hill  on 
the  bank  of  a  harbor,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Ozuma. 
"  They  affirm  this  river,"  says  Peter  Martyr,  "  to 
have  many  benefits  of  nature,  for  wheresoever  it 
runneth,  all  things  are  exceeding  pleasant  and 
fruitful,  having  on  every  side  groves  of  date 
trees,  and  divers  other  of  the  island  fruits  so  plenti- 
fully, that  as  they  sailed  along  by  the  shore,  often- 
times the  branches  thereof,  laden  with  flowers  and 
fruits,  hung  so  over  their  heads  that  they  might 
pluck  them  with  their  hands." 

20.  It  was  the  first  care  of  Don  Bartholomew  to 
erect  a  strong  fortress.  The  foundations  of  this 
were  laid  under  his  immediate  directions.  Having 
given  orders,  and  taken  measures  for  its  comple- 
tion, he  went  on  an  expedition  to  the  western  parts 
of  the  island.  All  the  caciques  of  the  island  had 
submitted  to  the  imposition  of  tribute,   excepting 

18.  What  name  was  given  to  the  new  settlement  ?  Was  the 
sild  village  deserted?  19.  What  does  Peter  Martyr  say  of  the 
river  Ozuma  ?    20    What  was  the  first  care  of  Bartholomew  ? 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  149 

Behechio,  king  of  Xaragua.  The  situation  of  his 
province  had  hitherto  been  such  as  to  protect  it 
from  the  incursions  of  the  white  men ;  but  the 
erection  of  St.  Domingo  was  the  commencement 
of  his  troubles. 

21.  This  cacique  was  the  brother  of  Anacoana, 
the  graceful  and  intelligent  wife  of  Caonabo ;  a 
woman  of  superior  mind,  who  had  contracted,  in 
spite  of  her  own  and  her  husband's  misfortunes,  a 
partiality  for  the  Spaniards.  Bartholomew  was 
aware  of  the  favorable  disposition  of  this  princess, 
but  he  also  knew  that  her  brother  differed  from  her 
in  this  respect.  It  was  desirable,  therefore,  for  the 
honor  and  safety  of  the  colony,  to  reduce  Behechio 
to  subjection. 

22.  Pie  departed  from  St.  Domingo  at  the  head 
of  three  hundred  men,  all  well  equipped,  and  many 
of  them  mounted.  They  marched  in  order  of 
battle,  with  banners  flying,  to  the  sound  of  drums 
and  trumpets.  Behechio  was  informed  of  his 
march,  and  advanced  with  a  number  of  troops  to 
dispute  the  passage  of  the  Neyva.  The  adelantatfo 
received  notice  of  this  movement,  and  sent  an  ex- 
press to  the  cacique,  to  assure  him  that  he  did  not 
come  as  an  enemy,  but  only  to  pay  his  respects  to 
a  prince  and  princess,  for  whom  he  entertained  a 
high  respect.     Behechio  was  pleased  with  the  coin- 

What  of  Behechio?  21.  Who  was  Anacoana?  22.  How- 
many  men  wont  against  Behechio  ?  What  did  Behechio  do  ? 
What  message  did  the  adelantado  send  to  him  ? 


150  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

pliment,  and  nis  whole  camp  resounded  with  shouts 
of  joy.  The  poor  islanders,  who  had  been  led, 
against  their  will,  to  fight  with  men  whose  very 
name  was  a  terror,  threw  by  their  arms,  and  rushed 
forward  to  meet,  and  to  welcome  them ! 


CHAPTER  XII. 

Approach  to  Xaragua.  Feast.  Mock-Jight.  Exaction 
of  Tribute.  Insurrection.  Capture  of  Guarionex. 
Payment  of  Tribute  by  Rehechio.  His  Visit  to  the 
Caravel.  Conspiracy  of  Roldan  and  the  Indians. 
Two  Caciques  taken  Prisoners. 

].  "When  the  Spaniards  approached  Xaragua, 
all  the  chief  inhabitants  came  out  dancing  and 
singing  in  the  plains.  Thirty  females  of  the  ca- 
cique's household  appeared,  each  bearing  a  palm 
branch  in  her  hand,  marching  to  music,  and 
making  the  air  resound  with  their  cries.  They 
approached  the  general  in  this  manner,  presenting 
their  palm  branches,  and  prostrating  themselves  at 
his  feet.  A  number  of  Indians,  who  accompanied 
them,  performed  a  similar  token  of  respect  to  the 

What  was  the  consequence  ? 

1.  How  were  the  Spaniards  received  at  Xaragua?  What 
mark  of  respect  did  the  Indians  show  them  ? 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  151 

rest  of  the  Spaniards,  and  the   army  was  in  this 
manner  escorted  to  the  palace  of  Behechio. 

2.  It  was  quite  late  when  they  arrived  there,  and 
a  great  feast  had  been  some  time  waiting  for  them. 
It  was  composed  of  utias  and  other  rare  meats, 
together  with  every  variety  of  sea  and  river  fish. 
There  was  great  joy  during  the  repast,  after  which 
they  retired  to  rest. 

3.  On  the  morrow ,  the  sun  had  hardly  risen,  when 
two  bands  of  Indians  appeared,  approaching  each 
other  in  the  order  of  battle.  They  were  armed 
with  bows  and  arrows,  and  at  first  made  a  show  of 
skirmishing,  without  doing  any  injury.  By  degrees, 
however,  they  became  excited,  and  many  of  them 
were  wounded.  At  length  four  dropped  down  dead. 
They  still  continued  fighting,  however,  as  furiously 
as  ever,  till,  at  the  request  of  the  Spaniards,  the  king 
ordered  them  to  desist. 

4.  The  adelantado  now  took  Behechio  aside, 
and  told  him  that  he  was  the  only  one  of  the  ca- 
ciques who  had  not  submitted  to  the  sovereigns  of 
Spain.  He  represented  to  him  that  their  majesties 
had  ordered  him  to  compel  submission,  and  that 
he  must  be  aware  it  would  bo  impossible  for  him  to 
resist.  The  evils  of  wav  were  to  be  avoided,  if 
possible,  and  by  consenting  with  a  good  grace  to 
pay  the  tribute,  he  would  secure  the  friendship  and 

2.  What  feast  was  provided  for  them  ?  3.  Describe  the  war- 
like exercises  of  the  Indians.  4.  What  did  the  adelantado  tell 
Behechio  ? 


152  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

protection  of  the  most  powerful  prince  upon  earth. 
The  cacique  replied  that  there  was  no  gold  in  his 
dominions.  The  adelantado  told  him  that  the  Span- 
iards were  too  just  and  generous  to  insist  upon  any 
thing  that  they  could  not  get,  and  would  be  satisfied 
with  a  certain  quantity  of  cotton  and  provisions. 
Every  thing  was  accordingly  arranged  in  a  friendly 
manner. 

5.  Don  Bartholomew  then  took  leave  of  the 
prince  and  princess,  and  immediately  repaired  to 
Isabella.  The  Spaniards  were,  as  usual,  sick  and 
discontented.  Many  had  perished  from  want  of 
the  absolute  necessities  of  life.  The  adelantado, 
with  his  usual  energy,  adopted  such  remedies  as 
were  in  his  power.  He  ordered  the  construction 
of  a  couple  of  caravels,  to  send  in  search  of  provis- 
ions, and  took  measures  to  distribute  the  weakest 
and  most  useless  individuals  among  the  Indian 
settlements,  in  the  vicinity  of  the  fortresses.  A 
chain  of  military  posts  was  also  established,  between 
Isabella  and  St.  Domingo,  consisting  of  five  forti- 
fied houses,  at  different  distances  upon  the  route. 

6.  The  Indians,  in  the  meantime,  had  been  very 
much  oppressed  and  injured.  They  were  tired  of 
paying  a  large  tribute,  laboriously  collected,  and  of 
entertaining  cruel  and  wasteful  guests  at  the  same 

What  did  the  cacique  reply  ?  How  was  the  matter  arranged  ? 
5.  Where  did  Bartholomew  then  go  ?  What  measures  did  he 
take  to  relieve  the  sufferings  of  the  Spaniards  at  Isabella  ?  G 
Wnat  of  ih«  Indians  ? 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  153 

time.  Numerous  complaints  were  made  to  their 
caciques,  desiring  that  they  might  be  allowed  to  set 
themselves  free  from  such  grievous  burdens.  The 
subjects  of  Guarionex,  in  particular,  insisted  upon 
his  engaging  in  war.  He  was  unwilling,  and  for 
some  time  refused,  but,  being  threatened  with  the 
loss  of  his  dominions,  he  at  length  consented. 

7.  The  adelantado  received  information  of  the 
conspiracy,  and  immediately  marched  from  St. 
Domingo  to  quell  it.  He  found  Guarionex  at  the 
head  of  several  thousand  men,  and,  attacking  their 
camp  in  the  night  time,  took  the  cacique  prisoner. 
The  Indians  were  struck  with  terror  and  confusion 
at  the  loss  of  their  chief.  He  was  borne  captive  to 
the  fortress  of  Conception,  followed  by  multitudes 
of  his  subjects,  without  weapons,  howling,  and 
filling  the  air  with  lamentations.  "  The  air  thun- 
dered," says  Peter  Martyr,  "  and  the  earth  trembled 
through  the  vehemence  of  their  outcry."  Guarionex 
was  generously  pardoned,  and,  exhorting  his  people 
to  peace  and  kindness  with  the  white  men,  wa? 
borne  upon  their  shoulders  to  his  palace. 

8.  About  this  time,  a  messenger  arrived  from 
Behechio  to  announce  that  the  tribute  was  in 
readiness,  and  could  be  delivered  whenever  it  was 
called  for.  Don  Bartholomew  immediately  sent  a 
courier  to  his  brother  at  Isabella,  requesting  that  a 

What  of  Guarionex  ?  7.  What  did  the  adelantado  do  7  How 
did  he  treat  Guarionex  ? 


164  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

caravel  might  be  despatched  to  Xaragua.  He 
went  himself  by  land,  to  receive,  in  person,  the 
homage  that  Behechio  was  bound  to  render  to  the 
crown  of  Castile. 

9.  An  entertainment  had  been  again  prepareo 
for  him  by  the  kindness  of  the  Indians.  Besides 
the  promised  tribute,  they  brought  great  quantities 
of  bread  and  fish,  and  delicate  meat.  It  was  now, 
for  the  first  time,  that  the  Spaniards  were  prevailed 
upon  to  eat  the  guanas,  which,  as  has  been  before 
mentioned,  were  esteemed  great  luxuries  by  the 
natives.  The  addantado  first  tasted  them,  at  the 
request  of  the  king's  sister,  and  found  them  exceed- 
ingly delicate,  in  spite  of  their  ill  appearance.  His 
companions  observed  that  their  leader  seemed  to 
consider  them  very  pleasant ;  they  then  partook  of 
them  with  quite  an  equal  relish ;  "  insomuch,"  says 
Peter  Martyr,  "  that  they  had  now  no  other  talk, 
than  of  the  sweetness  of  these  serpents,  which  they 
affirm  to  be  of  more  pleasant  taste  than  either  our 
pheasants,  or  partridges." 

10.  On  the  arrival  of  the  caravel,  the  beautiful 
and  gentle  Anacoana  proposed  to  her  brother  to 
visit  it.  Canoes  were  therefore  provided,  on  the 
following  day,  painted  and  prepared  for  the  recep- 
tion   of    the  princess   and   Behechio.     Anacoana, 

8.  Why  did  he  send  a  caravel  to  Xaragua  ?  9.  What  tribute 
did  the  Indians  pay  to  Bartholomew  ?  How  did  the  Spaniards 
relish  the  guanas  7  What  does  Peter  Martyr  say  concerning 
their  fondness  for  them  ?     10.  What  of  Anacoana  ? 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  155 

however,  preferred  to  go  in  the  ship's  boat  with  the 
adelantado.  When  the}'  approached  the  ship, 
several  pieces  of  cannon  were  discharged,  which 
filled  the  Indians  with  terror.  But  their  fear  was 
soon  quieted  by  the  smiles  of  the  white  men,  and 
changed  into  delight  by  the  music  of  flutes  and 
drums,  which  came  floating  from  the  caravel. 

11.  They  were  still  more  delighted  and  astonished 
on  entering  the  vessel,  and  examining  all  its  dif- 
ferent parts.  The  brother  and  sister  stood  looking 
at  each  other  in  silent  wonder.  While  they  were 
afterwards  wandering  up  and  down  upon  the  deck, 
the  anchors  were  raised,  and  the  sails  hoisted.  At 
this  time,  a  gentle  breeze  sprung  up,  and  they  saw 
this  mighty  mass  moving  about  upon  the  waters, 
not  impelled  by  oars,  but  as  if  of  its  own  accord. 
They  were  entirely  bewildered  with  admiration. 
On  returning  to  Xaragua,  the  caravel  was  loaded 
with  cotton  and  cassava  bread,  and  Don  Barthol- 
omew returned  by  land  to  Isabella. 

12.  During  his  absence,  great  disturbances  had 
been  excited  in  the  settlement.  The  prime  mover 
in  them  was  Francis  Roldan,  a  man  who  had  been 
raised  from  want  and  obscurity  by  the  favor  of  the 
admiral.  lie  was  desirous  of  rising  into  greater 
power  and  authority  through   the  unpopularity  of 

What  were  the  feelings  of  the  Indians  on  approaching' the  ship? 
11.  What  did  they  think  of  the  ship?  With  what  was  the 
caravel  loaded  ?  12.  What  of  Francis  Roldan  ?  What  object 
had  he  in  view  ? 


156  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

the  present  governors.  He  gathered  around  him 
the  vicious  and  discontented.  They  were  murmur- 
ing and  ready  for  revolt.  The  crafty  Spaniard 
placed  the  conduct  of  the  Genoese  brothers  in  its 
most  unfavorable  light;  representing  their  whole 
government  as  an  odious  tyranny.  Roldan  held  the 
office  of  chief  alcade  or  justice.  His  plan  was  to 
create  a  popular  tumult,  to  interpose  in  his  charac- 
ter as  judge,  and  to  throw  the  blame  of  it  upon  Don 
Diego  and  his  brother  Bartholomew.  In  this 
manner  he  would  have  secured  to  himself  the 
direction  of  public  affairs. 

13.  On  the  return  of  the  adelantado,  Roldan 
found  that  he  had  too  prudent  and  courageous  an 
adversary  to  contend  with  in  open  revolt.  He  de- 
termined to  remove,  with  all  his  followers,  and 
surpries  the  fortress  of  Conception.  In  that  posi- 
tion, with  the  adjacent  country  under  his  control, 
and  his  forces  increased  by  all  the  seditious  he 
should  meet  with  on  his  march,  he  thought  he  could 
defy  the  regular  authority.  On  his  way,  he  stopped 
at  the  villages  through  which  the  Spaniards  were 
dispersed,  giving  hopes  of  great  gain,  and  free 
living,  to  all  who  should  join  his  standard.  H 
promised  those  natives  who  would  join  in  the  revolt, 
that  he  would  liberate  them  from  all  tribute. 

14.  The  fortress  was  under  the  command  of  an 
old  and  faithful  soldier   and,  fortunately,  was  not  to 

13.  What  did  Roldan  determine  to  do  ?     What  did  he  say  to  in- 
duce  the   Spaniards    and   Indians    to   revolt  1 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  15? 

be  surprised.  It  was  soon  relieved  by  a  force  under 
the  prompt  and  efficient  Don  Bartholomew.  Doubt- 
ful of  the  truth  of  his  own  troops,  the  adelantack 
resolved  to  pursue  mild  measures  with  the  rebels. 
He  sent  a  messenger  to  Roldan,  who  was  posted 
about  half  a  league  distant,  to  summon  him  to 
appear  at  the  fortress,  giving  him  a  promise  of 
personal  safety.  Roldan  went  to  fort  Conception, 
but  the  parties  were  not  able  to  come  to  a  peaceful 
accommodation. 

15.  Roldan  now  proposed  to  his  followers  to  take 
possession  of  Xaragua.  They  had  heard  much  of 
the  fertility  of  its  soil,  and  the  softness  of  its  climate  , 
and  when  all  its  beauties  and  delights  were  painted 
in  bright  colors  before  them,  they  could  no  longer 
resist.  They  longed  to  exchange  a  life  of  labor 
and  discipline  for  licentious  indolence,  and  acceded, 
with  shouts,  to  his  propositions.  Returning  suddenly 
to  Isabella,  they  endeavored  to  launch  the  caravel 
for  immediate  embarkation.  Disappointed  in  this 
by  the  resistance  of  Don  Diego,  Roldan  finally  de  • 
termined  to  return  to  the  vicinity  of  fort  Conception, 
and  again  endeavor  to  make  himself  master  of  the 
garrison. 

16.  He  here  exerted  every  means  to  overthrow 
the  power  of  Don  Bartholomew.     Representing  him 

Li.  Did  Roldan  succeed  in  taking  the  fortress  ?  Did  the  parties 
come  to  a  peaceful  accommodation  1  15.  What  did  Roldan  now 
propose  to  do  ?  What  did  his  followers  endeavor  to  accom 
plish  ? 

14 


158  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

as  the  tyrant  and  oppressor  of  the  Spaniards,  as 
well  as  the  Indians,  he  pretended,  for  his  own  part, 
only  to  desire  the  effectual  relief  of  both  nations. 
He  united  himself  with  the  hostile  caciques,  and 
received  from  their  subjects  gifts  of  gold  and  provis- 
ion larger  than  the  tributes  which  they  paid  to 
the  adelantado.  Such  was  the  state  of  affairs  when 
Pero  Fernandez  Coronal  arrived  at  the  port  of  St. 
Domingo. 

17.  This  arrival  was  the  preservation  of  the 
colony.  The  title  of  adelantado,  which  had  been 
given  to  Don  Bartholomew  by  Columbus,  was  con- 
firmed by  the  king.  The  news  that  the  admiral 
was  favorably  and  honorably  received  at  court,  and 
that  he  would  soon  arrive  with  a  fleet,  struck  terror 
into  the  rebellious,  who  had  supposed  him  in  dis- 
grace. Don  Bartholomew  set  out  immediately  for 
St.  Domingo.  He  was  followed  by  the  party  of 
R-oldan,  reduced  to  a  sudden  gloom  by  the  unex- 
pected direction  which  affairs  had  taken.  The 
adelantado  was  still  desirous  of  coming  to  a  friendly 
settlement.  He  sent  Fernandez  Coronal  to  treat 
with  the  rebels ;  but  Roldan,  distrusting  the  sincerity 
of  his  professions,  conducted  himself  with  insolent 
haughtiness. 


1G.  Plow  was  Don  Bartholomew  represented  by  Roldan  1 
What  influence  had  he  gained  when  Pero  Fernandez  Coronal  ar- 
rived at  St.  Domingo  ?  17.  What  news  struck  terror  into  the 
rebellious  1  Who  followed  Bartholomew  to  St.  Domingo  ?  How 
did  Roldan  return  the  kindness  of  Fernandez  Coronal  1 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  159 

18.  The  rebels  repaired  to  Xaragua.  Fresh 
conspiracies  broke  out  among  the  caciques.  Gua- 
rionex  was  again  the  leader,  and  again  foi'led.  Pie 
fled  for  refuge  to  the  mountainous  province  of 
Ciguay,  and  placed  himself  under  the  protection  of 
its  king,  Mayobanex.  Here  he  remained,  generous- 
ly and  bravely  defended,  even  in  his  desperate 
fortunes. 

19.  From  these  mountains  the  Indians  made 
frequent  descents  to  ravage  the  plains  beneath. 
The  adclantado  determined  to  pursue  them  to  their 
recesses  among  the  rocks  and  caverns,  and  drive 
them  entirely  from  the  neighborhood.  While  on 
his  march,  with  about  ninety  men,  and  a  few  cavalry, 
he  came  to  the  banks  of  a  river,  on  whose  opposite 
shore  about  six  thousand  of  the  natives  were  in 
ambush.  The  adclantado  advanced  with  caution. 
They  had  hardly  reached  the  middle  of  the  stream, 
when  the  savages  burst  from  their  concealment. 
They  were  painted,  and  rushed  forward  with  yells 
and  howling.  The  adclantado  and  his  companions 
pressed  forward  through  the  river,  amid  a  shower  of 
arrows  and  lances.  On  their  reaching  the  opposite 
bank,  the  Indians  immediately  fled  for  shelter  to 
the  woods  and  caverns 

20.  Mayobanex  behaved  nobly  towards  his  guest. 

IS.  Where  did  the  rebels  repair  ?  What  of  Guarionex?  19. 
What  did  Bartholomew  determine  to  do  1  Where  were  the  lu- 
4/  lis  concealed  ?     What  became  of  them  1 


1G0  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

His  subjects  were  slain,  and  their  villages  barm 
The  remainder  of  his  tribe  continued  lurking 
among  their  hiding  places  in  the  earth,  and  among 
the  rocks,  till  they  were  dragged  forth,  to  be 
enslaved  or  murdered.  Both  of  the  insurgent  ca- 
ciques were  at  length  taken  prisoners,  and  carried 
in  chains  to  the  fortress  of  Conception. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

Arrival  of  Columbus.  Three  Ships  of  the  AdmiraVs  Fleet. 
Affairs  with  the  Rebels  finally  adjusted.  Ojeda  touches 
at  the  Island.  Roldan  sent  in  Pursuit.  Account  of 
Difficulties  in  Spain.  Arrival  of  Bovadilla.  Colum- 
bus sent  to  Spain  in  Ftilers. 

1.  This  was  the  confused  state  of  things  in  the 
island,  when  Columbus  arrived  at  St.  Domingo. 
Many  of  the  Spaniards  whom  he  left  at  Isabella 
had  perished  of  sickness,  or  been  slain  in  their 
skirmishes  with  the  natives.  The  man  whom  he 
had  loaded  with  benefits  was  in  arms  against  the 
regular  authorities.  There  was  famine,  and  dis- 
tress, and  danger,  upon  every  side.     The  admiral 

£0.  What  became  of  the  subjects  of  Mayobanex  1  To  what 
place  were  Guarionex  and  Mayobanex  taken  ? 

1  What  was  the  state  of  things  when  Columbus  arrived  at  St 
Domingo  ? 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  l(il 

at  once  issued  a  proclamation,  approving  of  all  tne 
measures  of  Don  Bartholomew  during  his  absence, 
and  denouncing  Roldan  and  his  companions. 

2.  The  three  ships  which  parted  from  the  ad- 
miral at  the  Canary  Islands,  had  been  carried,  by 
the  winds  and  currents,  to  the  coast  of  Jamaica, 
with  which  their  pilots  were  entirely  unacquainted. 
After  having  wandered  about  a  long  time,  without 
knowing  where,  they  at  length  found  themselves 
upon  the  coast  of  Xaragua,  near  the  place  where 
Roldan  and  his  companions  had  quartered  them- 
selves. The  rebels  at  first  thought  that  these  ships 
had  been  sent  in  pursuit  of  them ;  but  they  were 
soon  undeceived,  and  were  cunning  enough  to  con 
ceal  their  own  situation  in  respect  to  the  admiral. 

3.  The  captains  of  the  ships  were  soon  visited 
by  Roldan,  and  complied,  without  hesitation,  with 
all  his  requests.  They  supposed  him-  to  be  sta- 
tioned in  his  present  post  by  order  of  Columbus, 
and  supplied  him  liberally  with  weapons  and 
provisions.  Contrary  winds  and  currents  made  it 
impossible  for  the  ships  to  sail  at  present  for  St. 
Domingo,  and  it  was  therefore  determined  that  a 
party  should  be  despatched  by  land.  Juan  Antonio 
Colombo  was  appointed  to  conduct  them,  and 
landed  with  forty  men,  well  armed  and  provided 
for  the  march.     All  of  them,  with  the  exception  of 


What  did  he  cause  to  be  done  ?  2.  What  of  the  three  ships  ? 
What  did  the  rebels  think  when  the}'  saw  the  vessels  ?  3.  What 
did  Roldan  do  ?     What  was  determined  upon  ? 

14  * 


162  LIFF  OF  COLUMBUS. 

seven  or  eight,  immediately  left  him,  and  joined  the 
followers  of  Roldan. 

4.  The  history  of  the  island,  for  a  considerable 
period  of  time,  is  an  account  of  the  successive  troubles 
and  accommodations  with  the  rebels.  It  possesses 
but  little  interest,  as  it  is  a  mere  relation  of  attempts 
at  agreement,  and  negotiations,  which  were  repeat- 
edly interrupted  and  broken  through.  It  was  but  a 
sad  recompense  for  the  great  services  and  merits  of 
Columbus,  that  he  should  have  been  thus  exposed 
to  insult  and  ingratitude  from  all  connected  with 
him  in  his  great  discoveries. 

5.  After  protracted  difficulties,  the  admiral  at 
length  adjusted  affairs  with  Roldan,  and  reinstated 
him  in  the  office  of  chief  justice.  News  was  now 
brought  that  four  ships  had  anchored  at  the  western 
shore  of  the  island,  and  that  their  crews  were  busy 
in  collecting  the  dye-woods  which  abounded  in  that 
part  of  the  cour.tfy.  It  was  also  understood  that, 
they  were  under  the  command  of  the  adventurous 
Ojeda,  who  had  distinguished  himself  by  the  cap- 
ture of  Caonabo. 

6.  Columbus  knew  the  rash  chcractar  of  the 
man,  and  was  disturbed  at  his  visiting  the  island  in 
this  clandestine  manner.  He  sent  Roldan,  who 
was  desirous  to  atone  for  his  past  offences,  to  com- 


Who  joined  the  forces  of  Roldan  ?  4.  What  of  the  history  of 
the  island  for  some  time  ?  5.  How  were  affairs  at  length  adjust- 
ed 1  What  news  was  brought  to  Columbus  ?  6.  What  di>i  hi 
llwn  do  1 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  103 

mand  Ojeda  to  retire  from  the  coast  Roldan  found 
this  cavalier  at  an  Indian  village,  seven  or  eight 
leagues  from  his  ships,  and  accompanied  by  very 
few  attendants.  He  might  have  taken  him  prisoner 
upon  the  spot,  but  preferred  to  adopt  a  different 
course,  inquiring  as  to  his  commission,  and  asking 
why  he  was  cutting  the  dye-woods  without  leave  of 
the  admiral,  or  without  even  having  paid  him  the  civil- 
ity of  a  visit.  Ojeda  replied,  that  he  had  left  his 
commission  on  ship-board,  that  he  intended  to  pay 
his  respects  to  the  admiral,  but  that  want  of  provis- 
ion had  obliged  him  to  put  in  at  the  nearest  port. 
Roldan  was  satisfied  with  this  reply,  and,  after 
having  visited  the  ships,  returned  to  St.  Domingo. 

7.  Alonzo  de  Ojeda  had  been  at  court,  when 
the  despatches  arrived  from  Columbus,  giving  an 
account  of  his  discoveries  on  the  coast  of  Paria. 
He  knew  the  enmity  which  Bishop  Fonseca  enter- 
tained against  Columbus,  and  determined  to  profit 
by  it.  Obtaining  access  to  the  charts  and  papers, 
which  gave  a  description  of  the  route  pursued  in  this 
last  voyage,  he  ascertained  that  it  would  be  easy  for 
him  to  continue  what  had  been  so  happily  begun. 
He  procured  a  written  permission,  from  the  bishop, 
to  visit  all  countries,  except  those  which  belonged 
to  the  king  of  Portugal,  and  those  which  had  been 
discovered   by   Columbus   before    the   year    1495 

Where  did  Roldan  Jind  Ojeda.?  What  answer  did  Roldan 
obtain  to  his  demand?  7.  Of  what  circumstance  did  Ojeda  take 
advantage?     What  did  he  procure  from  the  bishop? 


liii  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

This  document  never  received  the  signature  of  the 
sovereigns,  and  was  in  violation  of  their  express 
agreement  with  the  admiral ;  for  it  left  Paria  and 
the  Pearl  Islands  entirely  open  to  the  visits  of 
Ojeda. 

8.  A  private  expedition  was  accordingly  fitted 
out  at  Seville,  at  the  expense  of  several  wealthy 
speculators.  Among  these  was  Americo  Ves- 
pucio,  a  Florentine  merchant,  who  had  considerable 
credit  for  his  knowledge  of  astronomy  and  naviga- 
tion. This  was  the  man  who  published  an 
account  of  his  voyages  on  his  return  to  Europe,  in 
which  he  claimed  for  himself  the  honor  of  having 
first  discovered  the  continent  of  the  New  World 
By  a  variety  of  singular  events,  it  has  happened  thai 
his  impudent  pretensions  have  secured  to  him  an 
immortality,  by  associating  him  with  the  regions 
which  should  have  been  honored  with  the  name  of 
Columbus. 

9.  These  adventurers  sailed  in  1499,  and  followed 
the  course  of  Columbus  to  the  gulf  of  Paria.  They 
visited  several  islands  in  this  vicinity,  and  bartered 
with  the  natives  for  pearls  and  gold.  Afterwards 
touching  at  the  Caribbee  Islands,  they  made  many 
prisoners,  with  the  intention  of  carrying  them  to 


What  of  thi->  document  ?  8.  At  whose  expense  was  a  private 
expedition  fitted  out  1  Who  was  Americo  Vespucio  1  What 
honor  did  he  claim  ?  What  have  his  pretensions  secured  to  him  1 
9.  When  did  the  expedition  sail  ?  What  was  accomplished  during 
their  voyage  to  Hi: 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  1G5 

Spain  as  slaves.  From  here,  being  in  want  of 
provisions,  they  sailed  for  Hispaniola,  where  they 
landed,  and  had  the  interview  with  Roldan. 

10.  Ojeda  promised  that  he  would  visit  St. 
Domingo  to  receive  advices  from  the  admiral ;  but 
in  a  little  while,  information  arrived  that  his  ships 
were  on  the  coast  of  Xaragua.  Roldan  was  again 
sent  to  inquire  into  his  movements,  and  now  per- 
ceived his  mistake  in  not  having  before  arrested 
him.  Many  of  the  discontented  and  rebellious  at 
Xaragua  had  joined  him ;  some  of  their  own 
accord,  others  through  necessity.  Roldan  wrote  to 
Ojeda,  requesting  an  interview,  which  was  refused. 
Both  these  men  were  afraid  of  each  other ;  each 
knowing  the  resolution  and  valor  of  his  enemy. 
Ojeda  sailed  away  to  the  province  of  Cahay,  about 
twelve  leagues  from  Xaragua,  and  was  followed 
thither  by  the  vigilant  alcayde. 

11.  Roldan  now  proposed  to  Ojeda  to  come  and 
confer  with  him  on  ship-board.  The  boat  was 
accordingly  sent,  and  Ojeda  supposed  himself 
secure  of  his  enemy.  On  entering  the  boat  with 
his  attendants,  Roldan  ordered  the  oarsmen  to  go 
on  shore.  They  refused,  and  were  immediately 
attacked  and  made  prisoners.  Desirous  of  uegain- 
ing  his  boat,  Ojeda  was  now  obliged  to  come  to 
terms.     He  agreed,  on  the  delivery  of  it,  to  set  sail 

10.  To  what  place  did  Ojeda  then  sail  ?  Who  was  sent  after 
him?  What  had  taken  place  ?  11.  What  of  Roldan  and  Ojeda  ? 
How  was  Ojeda  forced  to  return  to  Castile  ? 


166  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

from   the   island,    and   shortly    after    departed   for 
Castile. 

12.  But  the  seditious  and  ungovernable  feelings, 
which  had  been  excited  by  these  repeated  revolts, 
were  not  easily  to  be  quelled.  The  flames  burst 
out  upon  all  sides.  It  was  long  before  tranquillity 
was  restored.  The  ringleaders  in  new  conspiracies 
among  the  Indians  were  executed,  and  all  was 
again  quiet.  "  But  this  calm,"  says  Charlevoix, 
"  was  not  of  long  duration,  and  concealed  only  a 
terrible  tempest,  to  which  all  that  had  before  hap- 
pened was  only  a  light  prelude.  In  fact,  while 
Columbus,  relying  upon  his  own  innocence,  and 
the  protection  of  the  queen,  thought  himself  secure 
from  all  the  attacks  of  his  enemies,  the  accusations 
against  him  had  been  carried  on  with  infinite  art 
and  vigor,  supported  by  the  concurrent  testimony 
of  the  wicked  and  profligate,  who  had  been  returned 
from  the  colonies  again  to  burthen  the  land  of  their 
nativity." 

13.  The  court  was,  at  this  period,  at  Granada. 
Here  the  disappointed  and  clamorous  adventurers 
repaired,  to  utter  their  calumnies  against  Colum- 
bus. They  accused  him  of  an  intention  to  usurp 
sovereign  power  over  the  new  countries ;  knowing 
that  a  charge  of  this  nature  would  find  an  easy 
acceptance  with  the  jealous  and  suspicious  Ferdi- 


12    How  was   tranquillity  restored  1      What  does  Charlevoix 
eay  ?     13.  Where  was  the  court  at  this  time  ? 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  107 

nand.  The  king  never  appeared  in  the  streets,  but 
that  a  crowd  gathered  round  him,  calling  for  pay- 
ment of  their  services  in  the  Indies 

14.  On  one  occasion,  about  fifty  of  them 
collected  in  the  court  of  the  Alhambra,  and  seated 
themselves  upon  the  ground,  with  a  quantity  of 
grapes.  They  then  began  to  fill  the  air  with  their 
complaints,  crying  out,  that  the  king  and  Columbus 
had  reduced  them  to  that  misery,  by  not  paying 
them  the  wages  which  they  had  earned  by  painful 
labor  in  the  mines.  At  another  time,  when  the  sons 
of  the  admiral,  then  pages  to  the  queen,  were 
passing,  they  cried  out,  "  There  go  the  children  of 
the  traitor  who  has  discovered  new  countries  to 
make  slaves  of  the  Spanish  nobility."  It  was  at 
length  determined  to  send  out  a  judge  to  Hispaniola, 
to  inquire  into  the  alleged  abuses ;  and  to  this 
office  Francis  de  Bovadilla  was  appointed  by  the 
sovereigns. 

15.  It  is  sad  to  reflect  upon  the  result  of  this 
mission.  Bovadilla  was  a  weak  and  conceited 
man,  and  entrusted  by  the  crown  with  almost 
unlimited  authority.  He  arrived  at  St.  Domingo, 
arrogant  in  his  newly  acquired  honors.  He  took 
the  side  of  the  turbulent  and  discontented  mob ; 
listened  with   eager   joy    to   their   falsehoods  and 


What  of  Ferdinand  and  his  subjects  ?  14.  What  complaints 
were  made  by  the  people  1  Who  was  sent  to  Hispaniola  ?  15 
What  was  the  result  of  tins  mission  7 


168 


LIFK  OF  COLUMBUS 


.rrx^- 


i 


Columbus  brought  before  the  King  in  irone. 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  16i) 

calumnies ;  and  sent  Columbus  a  prisoner,  and  in 
chains,  to  the  adopted  country  for  whose  princes 
he  had  discovered  a  world ! 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

Arrival  at  Cadiz.  Visit  to  the  Sovereigns.  Departure 
on  the  fourth  Voyage.  Arrival  at  St.  Domingo, 
Violent  Storm.  Discover  the  Island  of  Guanaia.  The 
Wild-cat.  Arrival  at  Veragua.  Capture  of  Qiiibio 
and  his  Escape.  Boat's  Crew  slain  by  the  Indians. 
Boldness  of  Pedro  Ledesma. 

1.  The  rumor  was  no  sooner  circulated  at 
Cadiz  and  Seville,  that  Columbus  and  his  brothers 
had  arrived,  loaded  with  chains,  and  condemned  to 
death,  than  it  gave  rise  to  an  immediate  expression 
of  public  indignation.  The  excitement  was  strong 
and  universal ;  and  messengers  were  immediately 
despatched  to  convey  the  intelligence  to  Ferdinand 
and  Isabella.  The  sovereigns  were  moved  by  this 
exhibition  of  popular  feeling  ;  and  were  offended 
that  their  name  and  authority  should  have  been 
used  to  sanction  such  dishonorable  violence.  They 
gave  orders  for  the  immediate  liberation  of  the 
prisoners,  and   for  their  being  escorted  to  Granada 

J .  What  effect  had  the  arrival  of  the  captives  on  the  public 
mind  1     What  did  the  sovereigns  cause  to  b«  done  ? 

15  II 


170  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

with  ths  respect  and  honor  they  deserved.  They  an- 
nulled all  the  processes  against  them,  without  exam- 
ination, and  promised  an  ample  punishment  for  all 
their  wrongs. 

2.  The  admiral  spoke  but  little  in  the  presence 
of  the  king,  whom  he  believed  to  be  but  ill  disposed 
towards  him  At  an  interview  with  the  queen, 
however,  a  !■•..  days  afterwards,  he  laid  open  his 
views  and  \  "lings  with  so  touching  an  eloquence, 
thai  the  princess  burst  into  tears.  He  besought 
her  not  to  allow  him  to  be  dishonorably  oppressed, 
but  to  grant  him  the  royal  protection  against  his 
enemies.  Isabella  was  moved  from  grief  to  in- 
dignation, and  resented,  feelingly,  the  insults  which 
had  been  heaped  upon  him.  She  promised  that 
Bovadilla  should  be  immediately  dismissed  from  his 
command,  and  that  the  admiral  should  be  restored 
to  his  property,  his  privileges,  and  his  dignities. 

3.  He  was  not  however  restored  to  his  command 
at  Hispaniola,  nor  was  it  till  many  months  after- 
wards that  he  was  placed  at  the  head  of  an  expedi- 
tion to  open  a  new  passage  to  the  East  Indies. 
On  the  ninth  of  May,  1502,  Columbus  again  set 
sail  from  Cadiz  on  a  voyage  of  discovery.  He  firs 
directed  his  course  to  Arzilla,  upon  the  coast  ot 
Africa,  a  Portuguese  fortress  at  that  time  besieged 
by  the  Moors.     He  arrived  too  late  to  be  of  any 

2.  What  of  the  interview  between  Columbus  and  the  queen  1 
3.  When  did  the  admiral  again  set  sail  ?  At  what  place  did  ne 
ntopT 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  171 

assistance,  for  the  siege  had  been  raised.  He  sent 
his  son  and  brother  upon  shore,  to  pay  his  respects 
to  the  governor,  and  continued  on  his  voyage. 

4.  He  now  touched,  as  usual,  at  the  Canary 
Islands,  from  whence  he  proposed  to  sail  directly 
for  the  continent.  His  largest  vessel,  however, 
proved  so  clumsy  as  to  be  unfit  for  service.  He 
determined  on  this  account  to  steer  for  Hispaniola, 
where  he  found  a  fleet  of  eighteen  ships  ready  to 
depart  for  Spain.  Arrived  at  St.  Domingo,  Co- 
lumbus wrote  to  the  new  governor,  Ovando,  request- 
ing permission  to  enter  the  harbor,  as  well-  to  ex- 
change one  of  his  vessels,  as  to  procure  shelter  from 
a  violent  tempest  that  was  impending.  He  advised, 
in  the  same  letter,  that  the  departure  of  the  fleet 
should  be  delayed  a  few  days  on  the  same  ac- 
count. 

5.  His  request  was  refused,  and  his  advice 
neglected.  The  fleet  set  sail,  and  on  the  next  night 
were  swallowed  up  by  the  waves.  Of  eighteen 
ships,  only  two  or  three  escaped.  Columbus  had 
taken  precautions  against  the  storm,  which  his 
superior  skill  and  experience  had  enabled  him  to 
foresee.  His  little  squadron  were  saved.  On  board 
of  the  vessels  which  were  wrecked  were  Bovadilla, 
Roldan,  and  most  of  the  vicious   and  discontented 

4.  What  did  he  find  at  Hispaniola  ?     What  request  did  Co.'um 
hus  make  to  the  governor  1    5.  What  was  the  consequence  of  the 
eovernor's  refusal  1     How  did  Columbus  escape  from  the  storm 
What  men  perished  on  board  the  fleet  ? 


172  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

who  had  been  so  busy  in  injuring  the  admiral.     All 
fheir  ill-gotten  wealth  perished  with  them. 

6.  Columbus  soon  left  Hispaniola,  and  sailed 
towards  the  continent.  Being  becalmed  on  his 
voyage,  the  currents  carried  him  to  some  small  and 
sandy  islands,  near  Jamaica,  to  which  he  gave  the 
name  of  Los  Poros,  or  the  Wells.  Sailing  south- 
ward, he  discovered  the  island  of  Guanaia,  where 
he  had  an  interview  with  some  natives  that  he 
found  in  a  canoe.  This  canoe  was  eight  feet  wide, 
made  of  one  tree,  with  an  awning  of  palm  leaves  in 
the  middle,  for  the  women  and  children.  It  was 
laden  with  cotton  cloths,  of  several  colors,  and 
curiously  wrought;  wooden  swords,  edged  with 
sharp  flints ;  small  copper  hatchets ;  bells  and 
plates;  and  the  berries  which  they  called  cacao. 
Their  food  was  maize  bread,  and  different  kinds  of 
roots  and  grain. 

7.  Continuing  his  voyage,  on  the  twenty-fifth  of 
September  he  came  to  anchor  near  a  little  island 
called  Quiriviri,  and  a  town  on  the  continent,  the 
name  of  which  was  Cariari.  The  country  here 
was  very  beautiful,  full  of  forests  of  palm  trees,  and 
fine  rivers. .  A  large  number  of  the  natives  crowded 
from  the  adjacent  country,  some  with  bows  and 
arrows,  some  with  hard  and  black  clubs  pointed 
with  fish  bones,  as  if  intending  to  defend  themselves 

6.  Where  are  the  Los  Poros  ?  Describe  a  canoe  of  the  Indiana 
of  Guanaia.  7.  What  of  the  country  at  Quiriviri  and  Cariari? 
What  of  the  nativss  T 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  173 

from  the  Spaniards.  But  perceiving  they  had 
nothing  to  fear,  the  Indians  were  very  desirous  to 
barter  the  articles  they  had  with  them. 

8.  The  admiral,  on  the  succeeding  day,  ordered 
his  brother  to  go  on  shore  and  examine  the  interior. 
Among  other  wonderful  things  which  they  saw 
here  was  a  large  wooden  palace,  covered  with 
canes,  in  which  were  several  tombs,  with  embalmed 
bodies  in  them.  An  account  is  given  by  Ferdinand 
Columbus  of  an  adventure,  upon  ship-board,  between 
two  of  the  wild  animals  which  they  found  here. 
One  was  a  little  wild  hog,  and  the  other  a  wild  cat. 
The  cat  was  of  a  grayish  color,  with  a  very  long 
and  strong  tail.  It  had  been  knocked  from  one  of 
the  trees  in  the  neighborhood,  by  a  sailor,  who  cut 
off  one  of  its  legs  and  carried  it  to  the  ship.  The 
hog  had  before  been  master  of  all  the  animals  on 
board,  chasing  the  dogs  about  at  his  pleasure.  The 
cat  immediately  wound  her  long  tail  about  his 
snout,  and  brought  him  back  to  his  good  be- 
havior. 

9.  Columbus  proceeded  upon  his  eastward 
course,  stopping  at  a  number  of  islands,  and  having 
various  communications  with  the  natives.  Being 
detained  by  contrary  winds,  on  the  fifth  of  De- 
cember, he  determined  to  stand  about,  and  go  in 
search  of  some  rich  gold  mines  of  which  he  had 

8.  What  was  found  in  the  interior  of  the  country  1  Relate  the 
anecdote  of  the  hog  and  cat.  [).  What  did  Columbus  now  go  m 
search  of? 

15  * 


174  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

been  told,  in  the  province  of  Veragua.  For  a 
number  of  days,  the  ships  were  driven  about  by 
violent  tempests.  The  rain  poured  down  in 
torrents,  the  thunder  rolled  and  the  lightning  flashed 
incessantly.  Besides  these  dangers,  they  escaped 
from  a  tremendous  water-spout,  which  passed  very 
near  them,  but  luckily  without  injury. 

10.  On  reaching  Veragua,  the  admiral's  brother 
went  up  the  river  Belem,  in  the  boats,  to  find  the 
king.  Discovering  a  great  many  signs  of  gold,  Co- 
lumbus determined  to  leave  a  colony  here.  Eighty 
men  were  chosen  to  remain,  and  houses  were  built 
for  them  covered  with  palm  leaves.  One  of  the 
ships  was  to  be  left  behind,  with  a  quantity  of  wine 
and  biscuit,  with  nets  and  fishing  tackle.  When 
every  thing  was  ready  for  his  departure,  the  ad- 
miral found  that  the  river  had  dried  so  much  that 
there  was  not  water  enough  to  float  the  ships  into 
the  sea. 

11.  While  detained  here  on  this  account,  it  was 
discovered  that  Ouibio,  the  cacique  of  Veragua, 
had  laid  a  plan  to  destroy  the  Spaniards,  and  burn 
their  settlement.  They  determined,  therefore,  to 
take  him  and  his  chief  men  prisoners.  A  party  of 
seventy-six  men,  under  the  command  of  the  ad- 
miral's brother,  were  despatched  on  this  expedi- 
tion.    Arriving  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  house 

Describe  the  dangers  that  beset  the  fleet.  10.  What  did 
Columbus  do  on  the  island  of  Veragua  1  Why  was  his  departure 
delayed  f     11.  What  of  Quibio  ? 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  175 

where  Quibio  resided,  they  advanced,  two  by  two, 
as  silently  as  possible,  and  obtained  possession  of 
the  cacique's  person,  together  with  a  good  deal  of 
his  wealth,  and  a  number  of  his  wives  and 
children. 

12.  The  prisoners  were  committed  to  Juan  San- 
chez, the  chief  pilot  of  the  squadron,  a  strong  and 
trust-worthy  man,  who  undertook  to  carry  them 
safely  to  the  ships.  He  was  told  to  take  special 
care  that  the  cacique  did  not  escape ;  and  answered, 
that  he  would  give  them  leave  to  pluck  out  his 
beard,  if  he  did  not  keep  him  from  getting  away. 
They  had  come  within  half  a  league  of  the  mouth 
of  the  river,  when  duibio  complained  that  hi? 
hands  suffered  from  the  cords  with  which  they 
were  bound.  Juan  Sanchez  then  loosed  him  from 
the  seat  of  the  boat,  to  which  he  was  tied,  and  held 
the  rope  in  his  own  hand.  A  little  while  after, 
Quibio  threw  himself  into  the  water,  and  sunk  to 
the  bottom.  Night  was  coming  on,  and  the  Span- 
iards could  neither  hear  nor  see  what  afterwards 
became  of  him.  The  lieutenant,  on  the  next  day, 
returned  to  the  ships  with  his  prisoners  and 
plunder. 

13  'I  he  uver  having  now  been  swollen  by  the 
rain?,  (  ohunbus  was  able  to  set  sail  with  three  of 
his  ships  fat  Spain.     When  Uuibio  saw  that  tne 


In  wtia*  manner  was  lie  captured  f     lit.  In  wnosc  care  «vere  ine 
prisoners  placed  ?     Relate  the  adventure. 


176  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS 

vessels  had  left  the  coast,  he  immediately  &Kiroti/,d 
ed,  with  his  warriors,  the  little  colony  that  had  re- 
mained behind.  The  lieutenant  was  a  man  not  to 
be  easily  discouraged.  He  went  out  against  the 
Indians  with  a  very  small  number  of  followers,  and, 
with  the  assistance  of  a  dog,  put  them  all  to 
flight. 

14.  It  so  happened  that,  at  the  very  time  of  this 
attack,  a  boat  had  been  sent  from  the  ships  to 
procure  water.  For  this  purpose  the  captain  of  it 
was  going  some  distance  up  the  river,  and,  though 
warned  of  the  danger,  would  not  desist  from  his  un- 
dertaking. The  river  was  very  deep,  and  sheltered 
on  both  sides  by  over-hanging  trees  and  thick 
bushes,  which  grew  down  to  the  very  edge  of  the 
water.  When  the  boat  had  gone  about  a  league 
from  the  colony,  the  Indians  rushed  out  from  the 
thickets  on  each  side,  in  their  canoes,  blowing 
horns,  and  making  the  most  hideous  noises. 

15.  The  canoes  could  be  easily  managed  by  one 
man,  and  all  the  rest  of  the  crews  were  busy  in 
sending  their  arrows  and  javelins.  In  such  a 
shower  of  darts  the  Spaniards  were  obliged  to  drop 
the  oars,  and  protect  themselves  with  their  tar- 
gets. But  there  were  such  a  multitude  of  Indians 
surrounding  them  from  every  quarter,  that  the  seven 

13.  What  did  Quibio  do  after  Columbus  had  sailed  for  Spain  ? 
How  were  the  Indians  put  to  flight }  14.  What  happened  at  the 
time  of  this  attack  1  15.  Relate  .he  attack  of  the  Indians  upon 
the  Spaniards. 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS  177 

or  eight  men  in  the  boat  were  soon  pierced  with  a 
thousand  wounds.  Only  one  of  them  escaped, 
who  threw  himself,  unobserved,  into  the  water,  and 
Bwam  to  shore.  Pursuing  his  way  through  the 
thickest  of  the  wood,  he  reached  the  colony  in 
safety. 

16.  The  Spaniards  were  much  terrified  at  the 
intelligence,  and  still  more  affected,  when  the  bodies 
of  their  companions  came  floating  down  the  river, 
covered  with  wounds,  and  followed  by  the  birds  of 
prey.  They  determined  not  to  remain  in  the 
country,  and  immediately  removed  from  the  thickets, 
where  their  houses  were  built,  to  the  open  plain. 
Here  they  constructed  a  kind  of  bulwark  with  casks 
and  chests,  and  planted  cannon  about  them  at  con- 
venient distances. 

17.  The  sea  beat  so  heavily,  that  it  was  impossi- 
ble to  have  any  communication  with  the  ships.  Co- 
lumbus was  alarmed  at  the  long  absence  of  the 
boat,  but  was  unable  to  send  another  in  search  of 
it.  He  remained  ten  days  in  this  condition,  during 
which  time  the  captive  Indians  escaped,  by  bursting 
the  hatches  at  night,  and  leaping  into  the  water 
At  length  one  of  the  sailors  proposed  to  the  admiral 
that  he  should  be  carried  in  the  boat  to  a  certain 
distance  from  shore,  and  that  he  would  swim  the  rest 


How  many  men  were  killed  ?  16.  What  did  the  colonists  build 
for  defence  after  they  left  their  houses  ?  17.  What  took  place 
du«rngten  days  ?    What  did  one  of  the  sailors  propose  ? 


H2 


118  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

uf  the  way,  and  discover  what  had  become  of  their 
companions. 

18  This  man  was  Pedro  Ledesma,  a  native  of 
Seville.  Being  borne  to  within  about  a  musket 
shot  of  land,  he  plunged  into  the  swelling  and 
foaming  waves,  and  succeeded  in  reaching  the 
shore.  He  here  learned  what  had  happened — the 
loss  of  his  comrades,  and  the  determination  of  the 
colonists  not  to  remain.  With  this  information, 
Ledesma  swam  back  to  the  boat  that  was  waiting 
for  him.  As  soon  as  the  waters  became  more  quiet, 
those  who  had  been  left  on  shore  lashed  a  couple 
of  Indian  canoes  together,  loaded  them  with  their 
effects,  and,  leaving  behind  them  only  the  worm- 
eaten  hulk  of  the  ship,  made  for  the  little  fleet  of 
the  admiral. 


18.  What  was  his  name  ?  How  did  he  reach  the  shore  7 
What  did  he  learn  there  7  What  did  those  do  who  had  been  »eft 
oa  shore  7 


LIFE  OF  COLUMl'.'JS. 


CHAPTER  XV. 


Great  Storm.  The  Vessels  are  rim  ashore  at  Jamaica. 
Two  Canoes  sail  for  Hispaniola.  Mutiny.  Prediction 
of  an  Eclipse.  Caravel  arrives.  Mutiny  is  quellea. 
Mendez  arrives  ivith  a  Ship.  Sail  for  St.  Domingo 
Return  to  Spain.     Death  of  Columbus. 

1.  The  three  ships  then  set  sail,  and  held  on 
tneir  course  to  Porto  Bello,  where  they  were  obliged 
to  Teave  one  of  the  vessels,  because  it  was  so 
woim-eaten  and  leaky.  Continuing  their  voyage, 
they  passed  the  Tortugas,  and  reached  the  cluster 
of  islands  which  had  been  called  the  Queen's 
Garden.  While  at  anchor  in  this  place,  about  ten 
leagues  from  Cuba,  with  very  little  to  eat,  and  their 
vessels  exceedingly  leaky,  a  great  storm  arose,  and 
the  two  remaining  ships  were  driven  with  such 
violence  against  each  other,  that  it  was  with  diffi- 
culty they  escaped,  even  with  great  injury. 

2.  Sailing  hence,  with  much  toil  and  danger, 
they  reached  an  Indian  village  on  the  coast  of  Cuba, 
where  they  procured  some  water  and  provisions, 
and  departed  for  Jamaica.  They  were  obliged  to 
keep  continually  working  at  three  pumps  in  each 
of  the  vessels.     With  all  this,  however,  they  could 


1.  Where  did  Columbus  leave  one  of'his  ships?  Where  did  the 
rosfels  come  to  anchor  ?  What  accident  happened  7  2.  What 
Jid  they  procure  on  the  coast  of  Cuba? 


180  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 

not  prevent  the  water  from  gaining  upon  them  with 
great  rapidity ;  and  when  they  put  into  the  harbor 
of  Puerto  Bueno,  it  almost,  came  up  to  the  decks. 
Leaving  this  port,  they  run  their  vessels  ashore  as 
far  as  possible,  in  the  harbor  of  Santa  Gloria,  and 
built  sheds  upon  the  decks  for  the  men  to  lie  in. 

3.  They  were  thus  situated  about  a  bow-shot 
from  the  land.  It  happened  that  the  Indians  of  the 
island  were  peaceable  and  well-disposed,  and  came 
off  from  all  quarters,  in  their  canoes,  to  traffic.  They 
brought  to  the  ships  some  little  creatures  like  rabbits, 
and  cakes  of  bread  which  they  called  zabi,  which 
they  were  glad  to  exchange  for  hawks'  bells  and 
glass  beads.  Sometimes  the  Spaniards  gave  a 
cacique  a  looking-glass  or  a  red  cap,  and,  perhaps, 
a  pair  of  scissors. 

4.  It  was  now  necessary  to  devise  means  to  leave 
the  island.  They  had  no  tools  to  build  a  new  ship 
with,  and  it  was  in  vain  to  stay  in  hopes  that  some 
vessel  from  Spain  would  fall  in  with  them.  The 
admiral  thought  the  best  course  would  be  to  send 
word  to  Hispaniola,  and  request  that  a  ship  might 
be  sent  to  them  with  ammunition  and  provisions. 
Two  canoes  were,  accordingly,  selected  for  this  pur- 
pose, and  committed  to  Diego  Mendez  and  Bar- 
tholomew Fiesco,  with  six  Spaniards  and  ten  In- 
dians to  manage  them.     They  went  along  the  coast 

In  what  condition  were  they  now  placed  ?  3.  What  did  the 
Indians  bring  to  barter  with  the  Spaniards  7  4.  What  became 
necassiirv  to  he  done  1     Yv'l\o  wrvo  wiit  onfl  >n  the  two  carnu  '} 


LIFE  OK  OOU/IYIBUS.  I&l 

of  Jamaica,  to  the  eastern  extremity,  where  it  was 
thirty  leagues  distant  from  Hispaniola,  and  put  out 
to  sea. 

5.  Shortly  after  the  canoes  had  departed,  the 
men  on  shore  began  to  grow  discontented,  and  a 
violent  sickness  broke  out  among  them.  They  be- 
came turbulent  and  seditious.  The  leaders  of  the 
sedition  were  two  natives  of  Seville,  brothers,  by  the 
name  of  Porras.  One  of  them  openly  insulted  the 
admiral  on  the  deck  of  his  ship,  and,  turning  his 
back  on  him,  exclaimed,  "  I  am  for  Spain,  with  all 
that  will  follow  me."  About  forty  of  the  most 
mu  nous  joined  with  him,  and,  seizing  some  canoes 
which  the  admiral  had  purchased,  departed  for  the 
eastern  extremity  of  the  island. 

6.  These  conspirators  treated  the  natives  very 
cruelly  upon  the  way,  committing  various  outrages, 
and  compelling  them  to  row  their  canoes  for  His- 
paniola. The  sea  soon  grew  rough,  and  they  threw 
every  thing  they  could  spare  overboard,  in  order  to 
lighten  their  slender  barks.  At  last  they  threw 
over  even  the  helpless  natives  who  had  been  forced 
into  their  service,  and  left  them  to  perish  in  the 
waves.  With  much  difficulty  the  canoes  reached  the 
shore.  They  again  ventured  out  once  or  twice, 
after  an  interval  of  several  weeks,  and  were  again 
driven  back  by  the  winds.     From  the  many  ex- 

5.  What   happened  after  their  departure  1     What  of  the   two 
.Vothers  ?     What  did  the  mutineers  then  do  'I     6.   How  did  they 
trea'  the  natives  ?     What  happened  to  the  canoes  ? 
!(> 


182  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS 

cesses  committed  by  these  men,  and  the  increasing 
scarcity  of  provisions,  the  Indians  at  length  began 
to  neglect  even  those  who  had  remained  with  the 
admiral,  and  whom  they  had  hitherto  supplied  with 
sufficient  quantities  of  food. 

7.  The  admiral  was  desirous  to  awe  the  natives 
into  a  compliance  with  his  requests.  He  knew  that 
on  a  certain  night  there  was  to  be  an  eclipse  of  the 
moon.  On  the  day  before  this  event  he  invited  all 
the  caciques  and  chief  men  of  the  place  to  an 
assembly.  He  here  told  them,  through  an  inter- 
preter, that  the  Spaniards  believed  in  a  God,  who 
dwelt  in  heaven,  rewarding  the  good  and  punishing 
the  evil ;  that  this  deity  had  been  offended  with  the 
wicked  who  rebelled,  and  had  raised  up  the  winds 
and  tempests  against  them  ;  that  he  was  angry  with 
the  Indians  for  their  negligence  in  not  furnishing 
food  for  the  white  men,  and  that  he  would  that 
night  give  them  a  sign  of  his  indignation  in  the 
skies. 

8.  The  Indians  listened,  and  departed,  some  in 
terror,  some  in  scorn.  But  when  the  eclipse  began, 
as  the  moon  was  rising,  they  were  all  struck  with 
fear  and  confusion.  They  came  running  with  cries 
and  lamentations  from  every  quarter,  bringing 
provisions,  and  praying  the  admiral  to  intercede  for 
them.     Columbus  shut  himself  up  while  the  eclipse 

Why  did  the  Indians  become  incensed  against  the  Spaniards  ? 
7.  What  advantage  did  Columbus  take  of  the  coming  eclipse  1 
8    How  did  it  affect  the  Indians  1 


The  Indians  alarmed  at  the  Eclipjws  foretold  by  Columbus 


184  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS 

lasted,  and  when  he  saw  it  begin  to  go  off,  he  came 
out  of  his  cabin,  and  warned  them  to  use  the 
Christians  well  in  future,  and  bring  them  all  they 
should  require  of  them.  From  that  time  supplies 
of  provisions  were  always  abundant. 

9.  Eight  months  passed  after  the  departure  of 
Mendez  and  Fiesco,  before  any  notice  was  received 
of  their  arrival.  Other  desertions  were  on  the  point 
of  taking  place,  when,  towards  dusk,  one  evening,  a 
caravel  was  espied  in  the  distance.  It  proved  to 
have  been  sent  from  Hispaniola,  under  the  com- 
mand of  Diego  de  Escobar.  He  had  orders  not  to 
go  on  shore,  nor  to  permit  his  crew  to  have  any 
communication  with  the  followers  of  the  admiral 
Escobar  went  in  his  boat  to  deliver  to  Columbus  a 
letter  from  the  governor,  and  a  present  of  a  cask  of 
wine,  and  a  couple  of  hams ;  then,  returning  to  his 
caravel,  he  sailed  away  that  very  evening. 

10.  The  admiral  was  very  much  surprised  at  this 
singular  conduct,  and  the  people  thought  the  gov- 
ernor intended  to  leave  them  there  without  assist- 
ance. But  Columbus  soothed  them  with  such  ex- 
planations as  he  could  invent ;  told  them  that  Men- 
dez had  arrived  snrJiy  at  Hispaniola,  and  gave 
promises  of  speedy  relief.  He  now  turned  his 
attention  towards  arranging  affairs  with  the  rebels. 
Messengers  were  sent  to  them,  whom  they  insulted 

What  was  the  consequence  ?  9.  What  vessel  at  length  arrived 
from  Hispaniola  ?  What  did  Escobar  do  ?  10.  How  did  Co- 
lumbus treat  this  strange  affair  ? 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS.  185 

and   dismissed;  and    it  was    at   last  necessary   to 
come  to  open  battle  with  them. 

1*.  For  this  purpose  fifty  men,  well  armed,  were 
selected  from  those  who  continued  faithful  to 
Columbus,  and  put  under  the  command  of  the 
adelantado.  Having  arrived  at  a  small  hill,  about 
a  bow-shot  from  the  camp  of  the  rebels,  two 
messengers  were  sent  before,  to  request  a  peaceable 
conference  with  their  leaders.  They  refused  to 
listen  to  them,  but  fell,  with  swords  and  spears,  upon 
the  party  of  the  adelantado,  thinking  to  route  them 
immediately.  The  rebels,  however,  were  finally 
dispersed  with  some  slaughter. 

12.  On  the  next  day,  all  who  had  escaped  joined 
in  an  humble  petition  to  the  admiral,  repenting  of 
their  past  conduct,  and  declaring  themselves  ready 
to  return  to  their  duty.  Columbus  granted  their 
request,  upon  condition  that  their  captain  should 
remain  a  prisoner,  as  a  hostage  for  their  good  beha- 
vior. They  were  accordingly  quartered  about  the 
island,  in  such  places  as  were  most  convenient,  till 
the  arrival  of  a  ship  from  Hispaniola. 

13.  Some  days  now  passed,  when  Diego  Mendez 
arrived  with  a  vessel  which  he  had  purchased,  and 
fitted  out,  at  St.  Domingo,  on  the  admiral's  credit. 
They  immediately  embarked  on  board  of  it,  and 

11.  How  many  men  were  sent  against  the  rebels?  What  took 
place  1  12  How  did  the  rebels  who  escaped  conduct  them- 
selves! What  was  done  with  them  ?  13.  In  what  vessel  did  they 
embark  for  St.  Domingo  ? 

16* 


186  LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS- 

sailing  with  contrary  winds,  reached  St.  Domingo 
on  the  13th  of  August,  1504.  The  governor  re- 
ceived the  admiral  with  the  greatest  respect  and 
ceremony.  His  kindness,  however,  was  only  forced 
and  treacherous.  He  set  Porras  free  from  his 
chains,  and  attempted  to  punish  those  who  were 
concerned  in  his  arrest.  Columbus  remained  here 
till  his  ship  was  refitted  and  another  hired,  and  in 
these  vessels  they  pursued  their  voyage  to  Spain. 

14.  Setting  sail  on  the  twelfth  of  September,  the 
mast  of  one  of  the  ships  was  carried  by  the  board, 
when  they  were  about  two  leagues  from  shore. 
This  ship  returned  to  the  harbor,  and  the  admiral 
pursued  his  voyage  in  the  other.  The  weather 
proved  very  stormy,  and  the  remaining  ship  was 
much  shattered  before  she  arrived  at  St.  Lucar.  At 
this  port  Columbus  received  the  sad  intelligence  of 
the  death  of  his  noble  patron,  Isabella.  He  then 
repaired  to  Seville. 

15.  But  he  was  doomed  to  end  a  life  of  toil  with 
sad  disappointments.  Ferdinand  was  jealous  and 
ungrateful.  He  was  weary  of  a  man  who  had 
conferred  so  much  glory  upon  his  kingdom,  and  un- 
willing to  repay  him  with  the  honors  and  privileges 
his  extraordinary  services  so  richly  merited.  He 
deceived  him  with  promises  which  he  never  intend- 
ed to  fulfil,  and  raised  hopes  which  he  never 
intended  to  satisfy. 

In  what  year  was  this  ?  What  of  the  governor  ?  14.  What 
happened  during  the  voj'age  to  Spain?  What  news  did  Colum 
bus  hear  at  St.  Lucar  ?  15.  How  were  his  services  rewarded  by 
Ferdinand  t 


LIFE  OF  COLUMBUS. 


Iffl 


16.  Disgusted  and  mortified  by  this  conduct  in  a 
sovereign  to  whom  he  had  rendered  such  service, 
exhausted  with  the  hardships  which  he  had  suf- 
fered, and  oppressed  with  infirmities,  Columbus 
ended  his  life  at  Valladolid,  on  the  twentieth  of 
May,  one  thousand  five  hundred  and  six.  "  He 
died,"  says  an  elegant  historian,  "  with  a  composure 
of  mind  suitable  to  the  magnanimity  which  distin- 
guished his  character,  and  with  sentiments  of  piety 
becoming  that  supreme  respect  for  religion,  which 
he  manifested  in  every  occurrence  of  his  life." 

17.  The  monument  erected  by  Ferdinand  to  his 
memory  bears  this  inscription  : 

Por  Castilla  y  por  Leon 

nuevo  mundo  hallo  colon. 

For  Castile  and  Leon  Columbus  found  a  Neiv  World, 


1G.  With  what  feelings  did  Columbus  end  his  life  7  Repeat  the 
words  of  an  elegant  historian.  17.  Who  erected  a  monument  to 
his  memory  1     What  inscription  docs  it  bear  ? 


WASHINGTON. 


f$  tji*<X£$. 


Encampment  at  Valley  Forge. 


Washington  taking  leave  of  his  Officer* 


THE    LIFE 


GEORGE    WASHINGTON. 


ILLUSTRATED     B  if 


TALES,  SKETCHES  AND  ANECDOTES. 


ADAPTED    TO    THE    USE    OF    SCHOOLS. 


'*'         ' 


^gCTS«g 


; 


WITH    ENGRAVINGS. 


PHILADELPHIA : 
CHARLES    DESILVER, 

251  Mauket  Street. 
18  5  7. 


Entered  according  to  act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1836,  by 

S.    G.    GOODRICH, 
!a  the  Clerk's  Oihce  ol  the  District  Court  of  Massachusetts. 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  I.— P^rfh  of  Washington.  Early  Education.  French 
Claims.  Expedition  to  the  Ohio.  Appointed  Lieutenant  Colonel. 
March  to  the  Great  Meadows.  Surrender  of  Fort  Necessity. 
March  of  General  Braddock.  Defeat.  Depredations  of  the  Indians. 
Desertion  of  Fort  Du  Quesne.     Retirement  of  Washington 7 

CHAPTER  II.— Taxation  of  the  Colonies.  Congress  at  Philadel- 
phia. Washington  chosen  Commander  in  Chief:  Arrival  at  Cam- 
bridge. Position  of  the  American  Troops.  British  Army.  Want 
of  Ammunition.  Difficulty  of  enlisting  Soldiers.  Possession  of 
Dorchester  Heights 20 

CHAPTER  III.— Evacuation  of  Boston.  Anecdote.  Entrance  of 
the  American  Army.  March  to  New  York.  Atrocious  Plot.  In- 
dependence. Attempts  of  Lord  Howe  at  Negotiation.  Mission  of 
Colonel  Patterson.  Orders  of  Washington.  Battle  at  Long  Island. 
Retreat  of  the  American  Army 30 

CHAPTER  IV. — Communication  to  Congress.  Evacuation  of  New 
York.  A  successful  Skirmish.  Loss  of  Forts  Washington  and 
Lee.  Proclamation  of  Pardon.  Retreat.  Capture  of  General 
Lee.  Passage  of  the  Delaware.  Letter  to  Congress.  Situation 
of  the  British  Army 38 

CHAPTER  V. — Army  recrosses  the  Delaware.  Battle  of  Trenton. 
Retreat.  "Victory  at  Princeton.  Winter  Quarters.  Treatment  of 
American  Prisoners.  Encampment  west  of  Philadelphia.  Battle 
of  the  Brandy  wine.     General  Howe  enters  Philadelphia 4G 

CHAPTER  VI.— Works  on  the  Delaware.  Battle  of  Germantown. 
Forts  taken.  Encampment  at  White  Marsh.  Winter  Quarters  at 
Valley  Forge.  Sufferings  of  the  Americans.  Plan  to  supplant 
General  Washington.  His  Letters  on  the  Subject.  Situation  of  the 
Army  at  Valley  Forge 56 

CHAPTER  VII.— Preparations  for  the  Campaign.  Alliance  with 
France.  Sir  Henry  Clinton.  Battle  of  Monmouth.  Trial  of  Gen- 
eral Lee.  French  Fleet.  Violent  Storm.  Difficulty  with  Count 
D'Estaing.  Plan  for  the  Reduction  of  Canada.  Views  of  the  Brit- 
ish Government 64. 

CHAPTER  VIIL— Trouble  in  the  Jersey  Brigade.  Letters  from 
Washington.  Reply.  Wretched  v'ondition  of  the  Army.  Expe- 
dition against  the  Indians.  Capture  of  Stony  Point.  Paules  Hook. 
Assault  upon  Savannah.  Winter  Quarters.  Sufferings  of  the 
Soldiers 72 

CHAPTER  LX.— Expedition  to  Staten  Island.  Review  of  four  Bat- 
talions.    Parade  of  the  whole  Army.     Death  of  Miralles.     Situa- 

1* 


vi  CONTENTS. 

tion  of  the  Officers.  Loss  of  Charleston.  Lafayette.  French 
Armament.  Designs  on  New  York.  Indian  Chiefs  review  the 
Army 79 

CHAPTER  X.— The  Story  of  the  Treachery  of  Arnold 87 

CHAPTER  XL— The  Story  of  Sergeant  Champe 95 

CHAPTER  XII.— Revolt  on  the  Night  of  New  Year.  A  second 
Revolt.  Troops  sent  against  the  Insurgents.  Ringleaders  shot. 
Anecdote.  Army  marches  through  Philadelphia.  An  amusing 
Letter.     Arrival  of  Count  de  Grasse.     Siege  of  Yorktown 105 

CHAPTER  XIIL— Siege  continued.  Assault  of  British  Redoubts. 
Anecdote.  Surrender  of  Yorktown.  Anecdotes.  Proclamation 
of  Congress.  Army  returns  to  the  Vicinity  of  New  York.  Mutiny. 
Celebration  of  the  Birth  of  the  Dauphin 113 

CHAPTER  XIV.— Murder  of  Captain  Huddy.  Council  of  War  de- 
termine upon  Retaliation.  Story  of  Captain  Asgill.  Parade  of 
the  Troops.  Compliment  from  Count  Rochambeau.  Claims  of 
the  Army.  Anonymous  Addresses.  Washington's  Interview  witn 
the  Officers.  Letter  to  Congress.  Cessation  of  Hostilities.  Wash- 
ington's Address  to  the  Army.  Mutiny  among  some  Pennsylvania 
Troops 123 

CHAPTER  XV.— Conduct  of  Washington  towards  the  Mutineers. 
His  Address  to  Congress.  Farewell  Orders  to  the  Army.  Dis- 
banding of  the  Troops.  British  evacuate  New  York.  Splendid 
Entertainment.     Society  of  Cincinnati.     Parting  Scene 132 

CHAPTER  XVI.— Anecdote  of  Baron  de  Steuben.  A  Whale  or 
an  Eel  ?  The  Dwarf  of  Tatawa  Falls.  General  Gates.  Amusing 
Spleen  of  General  Lee.  General  Knox.  Washington's  Opinion 
of  General  Greene.  General  Lincoln.  Marquis  de  Lafayette. 
Congress  express  their  Respect  for  him.     His  Reply 139 

CHAPTER  XVII.— Washington's  Resignation.  Address  to  Con- 
gress. Mount  Vernon.  Calling  of  a  Convention.  Washington 
elected  President.  Passage  to  New  York.  Decoration  of  Gray's 
Bridge.  Triumphal  Arch  at  Trenton.  Landing  at  New  YorK. 
Ceremonies  of  Inauguration 147 

CHAPTER  XVIIL— State  of  Foreign  Affairs.  Peace  made  with 
the  Creek  Indians.  War  between  France  and  Great  Britain. 
Washington  retires  from  Office.  Denies  the  Authorship  of  cenain 
Letters.  Mr.  Adams  inaugurated.  Difficulties  with  France.  Com- 
mander in  Chief.  His  Letter  to  Congress.  Peaceful  Arrange- 
ments.    Death  of  Washington 155 

CHAPTER  XIX— Proceedings  of  Congress.  Extract  of  a  Letter 
from  Mrs.  Washington.  Tributes  of  Respect  from  the  People. 
Anecdotes  of  Washington.  Travelling  on  Sunday.  His  Punctu- 
ality. Captain  Pease  and  the  Horses.  His  Liberality.  Old 
Lydick 1 65 

CHAPTER  XX. — Personal  Appearance  of  Washington.  Descrip- 
tion bv  Dr.  Thacher.      Remarks  upon  his  Character 173 


LIFE  OF   WASHINGTON. 


CHAPTER    I. 


Birth  of  Washington — Early  Education — French  Claims — Expe- 
dition to  the  Ohio — Appointed  Lieutenant  Colonel — March  to 
tlic  Gnat  Meadows — Surrender  of  Fort  Necessity — March  of 
General  Braddock — Defeat — Depredatiojis  of  the  Indians — 
Desertion  of  Fort  Du  Qucsjie — Retirement  of  Washington. 

1.  George  Washington  was  born  at  Bridges  Creek, 
iri  Westmoreland  County,  Virginia,  on  the  twenty-sec- 
ond of  February,  1732.  He  was  the  son  of  Augustine 
Washington,  a  descendant  of  one  of  the  earliest  settlers 
of  the  first  English  Colony  in  America.  His  father 
died,  and  left  him  at  the  age  of  ten  years  to  be  educa 
ted  by  an  intelligent  and  affectionate  mother.  She 
devoted  herself  to  the  care  of  her  children,  and  lived 
to  reap  the  full  reward  of  her  anxious  labors. 

2.  In  the  youth  of  George  Washington,  the  means 
of  instruction  in  America  were    very    limited.       He 

1.  When  was  Washington  born  ?  What  of  his  father  ?  His 
mother  ' 


8  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

received  merely  an  English  education,  of  which  math- 
ematics formed  the  most  important  study.  This  was 
of  advantage  to  him  in  early  life,  in  the  practice  of 
his  profession  as  a  surveyor  and  in  later  years,  in  its 
connexion  with  military  science.  At  the  age  of  fifteen, 
he  was  desirous  to  enter  the  British  navy,  and  obtained 
the  place  of  a  midshipman  ;  but  the  interference  of 
his  mother  prevented  him  from  adopting  this  course 
oflife. 

3.  Of  the  childhood  and  early  youth  of  Washington, 
no  authentic  anecdotes  have  been  preserved.  He  is 
described,  however,  as  silent,  diligent,  and  methodical ; 
dignified  in  his  appearance,  and  strictly  honorable  in 
all  his  conduct.  A  strong  proof  that  he  was  regarded 
with  respect  and  confidence,  is  found  in  the  fact  ol 
his  appointment  to  be  one  of  the  Adjutant  Generals  of 
Virginia,  when  only  nineteen  years  of  age.  From 
this  he  was  soon  called  to  higher  honors  and  services. 
He  was  hardly  twenty-one,  when  the  government  oi 
his  native  colony  entrusted  him  with  the  performance 
of  a  very  important  and  difficult  commission. 

4.  The  French  were  the  first  European  discoverers 
of  the  Mississippi,  and  claimed  all  those  regions  whose 
waters  emptied  into  that  river.      They  had  just  formed 

2.  What  of  his  education?  How  was  the  study  of  mathe 
matics  an  advantage  to  Washington  ?  What  course  oflife  was 
he  anxious  to  adopt  at  the  age  of  fifteen  ?  3.  How  is  he  de 
scribed  when  young?  To  what  office  wa3  he  appointed  at 
nineteen  ?  What  happened  after  this  ?  4.  What  of  the 
French  ? 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  9 

a  plan  of  connecting  their  extensive  possessions  hi 
America,  by  the  union  of  Louisiana  with  Canada.  In 
pursuance  of  this  design,  a  line  of  military  posts  from 
the  Lakes  to  the  Ohio  had  been  recently  commenced. 
This  territory  was  situated  within  the  boundaries  of 
Virginia,  and  the  Governor  of  that  province  deemed  it 
his  duty  to  remonstrate  against  encroachments,  which 
he  considered  the  violation  of  previous  treaties.  He 
determined  to  send  an  agent  to  the  French  command- 
ant on  the  Ohio,  to  convey  his  views  upon  this 
important  and  delicate  subject.  He  selected  for  this 
purpose  Mr.  Washington. 

5.  He  left  Williamsburg  on  the  day  he  received  his 
commission,  and  on  the  fourteenth  of  November 
readied  the  extreme  frontier  settlement  of  Virginia. 
Having  procured  guides  to  conduct  him  over  the 
Alleghany  mountains,  he  immediately  pursued  his 
journey.  The  weather  was  very  stormy,  and  the  snow 
deep ;  and  a  great  part  of  his  course  lay  through  an 
unexplored  wilderness.  He  very  wisely  secured  the 
friendship  of  some  Indian  chiefs,  who  guided  hirn  to 
«the  fort  at  French  Creek,  where  he  found  the  com- 
manding officer  on  the  Ohio.  Delivering  his  letters, 
in  three  or  four  days  he  received  an  official  reply 

G.  He  immediately  departed  on  his  return.  Finding 
the  snow  deep,  and  his  horses  weakened  with  fatigue, 
he  determined  to  puisue  his  way  on  foot.     He  took 

What  work  had  been  recently  commenced  by  the  French  ? 
What  of  the  governor  of  Virginia?  Whom  did  he  appoint  his 
agent?     5.  Relate  his  journey  through  the  wilderness? 


10  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

his  necessary  papers,  a  gun,  and  a  pack,  and  wrapping 
himself  in  his  watch-coat,  set  out  with  a  single  com- 
panion. On  the  day  following,  they  fell  in  with  a 
party  of  French  Indians,  one  of  whom  fired  upon 
them.  They  took  this  Indian  prisoner,  and  kept  him 
until  nine  o'clock  in  the  evening,  when  they  released 
him,  and  walked  without  stopping,  all  the  rest  of  the 
night,  in  order  to  be  out  of  the  reach  of  pursuit. 

7.  They  found  the  river,  which  they  reached  about 
dark  on  the  next  day,  frozen  but  about  fifty  yards 
from  each  shore.  It  was  therefore  necessary  to  build 
a  raft.  They  had  but  one  poor  hatchet,  and  after  a 
day's  work  were  able  to  get  their  raft  under  way 
Before  getting  half  over,  they  were  enclosed  with  the 
ice,  and  expected  to  be  dashed  to  pieces.  In  putting 
out  his  pole  to  stop  the  raft,  that  the  ice  might  pass  by, 
Washington  was  violently  jerked  into  ten  feet  water, 
and  saved  himself  by  catching  hold  of  one  of  the  raft 
logs.  They  were  obliged  to  quit  their  rafts,  and  with 
difficulty  reached  an  Island  in  safety.  The  cold  was 
excessively  severe,  and  Mr.  Gist,  the  guide,  had  his 
hands  and  feet  badly  frozen.  The  next  day  they 
passed  the  river  on  the  ice,  and  reached  Williamsburg 
on  the  sixteenth  of  January,  1754.  The  conduct  of 
Washington  in  this  enterprise  added  to  his  reputation 
for  judgment  and  firmness. 

8.  As  the  answer  of  the  French  Commandant  shew 

How  did  he  return  ?  What  of  the  French  Indians  ?  7.  Re- 
late the  adventures  of  Washington  and  his  companion  upon 
the  river  Ohio.     When  did  they  reach  Willhmsburg  ? 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  li 

no  intention  of  withdrawing  from  the  disputed  territory 
the  assembly  of  Virginia  determined  to  maintain  by 
force  the  rights  of  the  British  crown.  A  regiment  was 
immediately  raised  of  three  hundred  men.  The  com- 
mand of  this  body  was  given  to  Mr.  Fry,  and  Wash- 
ington was  appointed  lieutenant  colonel.  Desirous  to 
engage  in  active  service,  and  take  as  early  measures 
as  possible  in  defence  of  the  colony,  Washington  ob- 
tained permission  to  march  in  advance  of  the  other 
troops,  to  Great  Meadows.  On  reaching  this  place, 
he  learned  from  the  friendly  Indians  that  a  party  of 
the  French  were  encamped  in  a  valley  a  few  miles  to 
the  west.  The  night  was  dark  and  rainy,  and  en- 
tirely concealed  the  movements  of  the  troops.  They 
surrounded  the  French  camp,  and  took  it  completely 
by  surprise.  The  commanding  officer  was  the  only 
one  killed. 

9.  From  the  death  of  Colonel  Fry,  which  took  place 
shortly  after  this  affair,  the  command  of  the  regiment 
devolved  upon  Washington.  All  the  forces  now  as- 
sembled at  Great  Meadows,  to  the  amount  of  about 
four  hundred  men.  A  small  stockade  was  erected, 
afterwards  called  Fort  Necessity.  Leaving  here  the 
horses  and  provisions,  with  a  few  soldiers  to  guard 
them,  the  main  body  moved  forward,  with  the  intention 
of  dislodging   the    French   from    Fort   Du    Quesne. 

8.  What  did  the  Assembly  of  Virginia  do  ?  Describe  ihe 
service  that  Washington  performed.  9.  By  what  circumstance 
did  he  jbtain  the  command   of  the  regiment  ?     What  of  Fort 

Necessity  ? 


12  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

They  had  proceeded  but  a  few  miles,  when  informa- 
tion was  brought  by  a  friendly  chief,  that  the  French 
were  advancing,  as  numerous  as  pigeons  in  the  woods, 
and  that  the  fort  had  been  strongly  reinforced. 

10.  A  council  of  war  was  called,  and  it  was  deter- 
mined to  retire  immediately  to  the  Great  Meadows. 
This  was  put  into  execution  without  delay,  and  every 
exertion  made  to  place  Fort  Necessity  in  a  state  of 
de  ei.ce.  A  ditch  was  commenced,  but  before  its  com- 
pletion the  enemy  appeared,  to  the  number  of  about 
fifteen  hundred  men.  They  attacked  the  fort  with 
great  fury,  from  the  cover  of  trees  and  high  grass  with 
which  that  country  abounds.  The  Americans  re- 
ceived them  with  valour;  some  fighting  in  the  ditch, 
some  within  the  stockade.  Washington  remained 
during  the  whole  day  on  the  outside  of  the  fort,  en- 
couraging the  men  by  his  cool   and  intrepid  example. 

11.  The  engagement  continued  from  ten  in  the 
morning  till  dark,  when  the  French  general  demanded 
a  parley,  and  offered  terms  of  capitulation.  These 
were  refused,  but  in  the  course  of  the  night  other  pro- 
posals were  at  length  accepted.  The  fort  was  sur- 
rendered on  condition  that  the  garrison  should  march 
out  with  the  honors  of  war,  should  be  permitted  to 
retain'lheir  arms  and  baggage,  and  to  march  without 
molestation  into  the  inhabited  parts  of  Virginia.   'A 

What  was  the  intention  of  the  main  body  of  troops  ?  10. 
Why  was  a  council  of  war  called,  and  what  was  determined  up- 
on ?  What  happened  while  the  Americans  were  repairing  their 
fort  ?  11.  On  what  conditions  was  the  fort  at  length  surrendered  ' 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  13 

public  vote  of  thanks  was  given  to  Washington,  and 
the  officers  under  his  command,  for  their  conduct 
in  this  affair;  and  three  hundred  pistoles  were  dis- 
tributed among  the  soldiers. 

12.  Early  in  1755,  two  British  regiments  were  sent 
to  support  his  majesty's  claims  to  the  Ohio  lands. 
They  were  under  the  command  of  General  Braddock, 
who  invited  Washington  to  serve  the  campaign  as  a 
volunteer  aid-de-camp.  This  invitation  he  immedi- 
ately accepted,  and  joined  General  Braddock  on  his 
march  to  Fort  Cumberland.  Here  the  army  was  de- 
tained till  about  the  l"2th  of  June,  waiting  for  wagons, 
horses,  and  provisions.  Soon  after  they  resumed  their 
march,  Washington  was  attacked  by  a  violent  fever, 
and  refusing  to  remain  behind  the  troops,  was  con- 
veyed with  them  in  a  covered  wagon. 

13.  The  object  of  the  campaign  was  the  capture  of 
Fort  Du  Quesne.  Washington  advised  the  general  to 
leave  his  heavy  artillery  and  baggage  behind,  and  to 
press  forward  with  a  chosen  body  of  troops  as  expe- 
ditiously as  possible.  This  advice  was  adopted,  and 
twelve  hundred  men  were  selected,  to  he  commanded 
by  General  Braddock  in  person,  and  to  advance  with* 
tho  utmost  despatch.  This  corps  immediately  com- 
menced its  march,  but  did  not  move  with  the  celerily 
that  had  been  expected.     "  I  found,"  said  Washington, 

12.  What  happened  early  in  1755?     What  office  did  Wash- 
ington acdept   under  General  Braddock  ?     What  of  his  sick- 
ness ?     13.  What  was  the  object  of  the  campaign  ?    How  many 
men  were  selected  to  march  forward  ? 
2 


14  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

in  a  letter  to  his  brother,  "  that  instead  of  pushing  on 
with  vigor,  without  regarding  a  little  rough  road,  they 
were  halting  to  level  every  mole  hill,  and  to  erect 
bridges  over  every  brook."  They  were  four  days  in 
passing  over  the  first  nineteen  miles  from  the  Little 
Meadowrs. 

14.  Here,  the  sickness  of  Washington  made  it  im- 
possible for  him  to  proceed  on  the  march.  General 
Braddock  ordered  him  to  stay  behind  with  a  small 
guard,  till  the  arrival  of  Colonel  Dunbar,  with  the  rear 
division  of  the  army.  As  soon  as  his  strength  would 
permit,  he  rejoined  the  general  in  a  covered  wagon, 
and  immediately  entered  on  the  duty  of  his  office. 

15.  On  the  next  day,  the  troops  had  just  crossed  the 
Monongahela  for  the  second  time,  and  were  in  a  few 
miles  of  Fort  Du  Q,uesne.  They  were  advancing 
without  any  apprehension  of  danger,  in  small  columns, 
through  a  thick  wood,  surrounded  by  high  grass.  On 
a  sudden  they  were  assailed  by  an  invisible  enemy. 
Shots  were  rapidly  pouring  in  from  all  quarters,  and 
the  soldiers  were  thrown  into  general  confusion.  Brad- 
dock  remained  perfectly  cool  and  self  possessed  in  the 
midst  of  all  this  danger  and  death.  He  was  unac- 
quainted with  the  Indian  mode  of  warfare,  and  very 
unwisely  endeavored  to  rally  his  broken  troops  in  the 


What  does  Washington  say  in  a  letter,  of  the  progress  of  (he 
troops?  How  long  were  they  passing  over  19  miles?  14. 
What  of  Washington?  15.  Relate  the  attack  upon  the 
troops. 


1.IFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 


16 


Braddock  a  Defeat. 


16  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

open  space,  where  they  were  exposed  to  the  terrible 
fire  of  the  secret  enemy. 

16.  From  their  sheltered  positions,  the  enemy  could 
take  deliberate  aim  in  safety.  The  officers  of  the 
British  troops  were  slain  in  great  numbers,  and  in  a 
short  time,  Washington  was  the  only  aid-de-camp  left 
alive  and  unwounded.  He  was  obliged  consequently 
to  carry  all  of  the  general's  orders,  to  every  part  of  the 
battle-field  in  person.  In  performing  this  duty,  he 
had  two  horses  killed  under  him,  and  four  balls  passed 
through  his  coat.  "  I  expected  every  moment,"  says 
an  eye  witness,  "  to  see  him  fall.  Nothing  but  the 
superintending  care  of  Providence  could  have  saved 
him  from  the  fate  of  all  around  him." 

17.  The  action  continued  nearly  three  hours.  The 
General  himself,  after  having  three  horses  killed  under 
him,  received  a  mortal  wound.  His  troops  immedi- 
ately fled.  It  was  impossible  to  rally  them,  until  they 
had  crossed  the  Monongahela,  and  placed  a  river  be- 
tween themselves  and  their  enemy.  The  Indians 
were  too  much  occupied  with  the  plunder,  to  think  of 
continuing  the  pursuit.  Braddock  was  carried  to  the 
camp  of  Dunbar,  where  in  a  few  days  he  died. 

18.  In  his  official  account  of  the  battle,  Washington 
bears  witness  to  the  incomparable  bravery  of  the  Brit- 
ish officers.     He  says  that  the  Virginia  companies  be- 


What  did  General  B.  attempt  to  do  ?  What  effect  had  this 
Ettack  upon  the  British  forces  ?  Did  Washington  escape  un- 
hurt? How  did  the  troops  behave  upon  the  fall  of  their 
General  ? 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  17 

haved  like  men,  and  died  like  soldiers;  for  of  three 
companies  that  day  on  the  ground,  scarcely  thirty  men 
were  left  alive.  The  loss  of  the  battle,  he  attributes 
to  the  cowardly  behaviour  of  the  regular  troops,  who 
broke  into  confusion  in  spite  of  every  effort  to  the  con- 
trary, and  ran  like  sheep  before  hounds.  The  repu- 
tation of  Washington  suffered  no  injury  from  this 
defeat.  His  conduct  was  highly  praised,  and  it  was 
thought  if  his  advice  had  been  pursued  throughout, 
that  the  disasters  of  that  day  would  have  been  avoided. 

19.  Intelligence  of  Braddock's  defeat  arrived,  while 
the  assembly  of  Virginia  were  yet  in  session.  It  was 
immediately  resolved  to  raise  a  regiment  of  sixteen 
companies,  the  command  of  which  was  given  to 
Washington.  In  execution  of  the  duties  of  this  office, 
he  visited  the  frontiers  of  the  state.  He  was  arrested 
on  his  way  to  Williamsburg,  by  the  information  that 
parties  of  the  French  and  Indians  were  committing 
the  most  fearful  outrages  in  the  back  settlements. 
Crops  were  destroyed  ;  villages  burned  ;  men,  women, 
and  children  murdered.  The  few  troops  stationed  on 
the  frontiers  were  unable  to  afford  them  any  protection, 
but  retired  for  their  own  safety  to  the  stockade  forts. 

20.  Before  any  force  could  be  collected  sufficient  to 
meet  the  assailants,  they  had  retreated  beyond  the 
Alleghany  mountains ;  again  after  a  convenient  inter- 

18.  What  account  does  Washington  give  of  the   conduct  of 
the  officers  and  regular  troops  ?     What  was  thought  of  Wash- 
ington ?     19.  What  command  was  given  to  him?     What   out- 
rages were  the  Frencli  and  Indians  committing  at  this  time' 
2* 


18  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON 

val  io  repeat  their  cruelties.  They  continued  these 
attacivs  for  three  years.  Their  manner  of  conducting 
them  was  with  the  utmost  secrecy.  Small  parties  oi 
French  and  Indians,  detached  from  Fort  Du  Quesne, 
would  lurk  about  in  the  woods  in  the  neighborhood  ot 
a  village,  and  suddenly  attack  some  solitary  and 
unprotected  family.  Captivity,  torture  or  death  was 
the  lot  of  all  who  fell  into  their  power. 

21.  The  people  looked  to  Washington  for  the  pro- 
tection he  was  unable  to  give.  The  difficulty  of 
raising  a  large  number  of  men,  and  the  inability  of  a 
small  number  to  protect  the  extensive  frontiers  of 
Virginia,  were  continual  sources  of  anxiety  and 
distress.  The  savages  made  no  distinctions  in  their 
warfare.  They  slew  the  women  and  children,  the 
aged  and  the  helpless,  as  well  as  the  men  whom  they 
found  in  arms.  Washington,  in  a  letter  written  during 
this  period  to  the  governor,  observed — "  The  supplica- 
ting tears  of  the  women  and  moving  petitions  of  the 
men,  melt  me  with  such  deadly  sorrow,  that  I  solemnly 
declare,  if  I  know  my  own  mind,  I  could  offer  myself 
a  willing  sacrifice  to  the  butchering  enemy,  provided 
that  would  contribute  to  the  people's  ease." 

22.  Washington  made  continual  representations  to 
the  Governor,  of  the  defects  of  existing  measures  for 
defence,  and  recommended  the  erection  of  a  line  of 
twenty-two  forts  along  the  frontiers,  to  be  garrisoned 

20.  Where  did  the  assailants  retreat  ?  How  did  they  conduct 
their  attacks?  21.  Why  was  Washington  unable  to  protect  the 
people?     P.epeat  the  extract  f.  >m  his  letter 


LIFE  OF  WASHIiNGTON.  VJ 

by  two  thousand  men.  He  always  advised  that  Fort 
Du  Quesne  should  be  reduced,  as  the  best  means  of 
security.  It  was  only  after  great  delay  and  disappoint- 
ment, that  he  could  prevail  upon  the  government  to 
undertake  this  expedition. 

23.  In  1756,  the  project  was  entirely  approved  by 
Genera]  Forbes,  who  was  charged  with  the  defence  of 
the  middle  and  southern  colonies.  The  movements 
of  the  army  were  immediately  directed  to  that  purpose. 
After  a  variety  of  delays  in  bringing  the  troops  togeth- 
er, the  main  body  commenced  their  march  on  the 
second  of  October.  The  progress  of  the  army,  how- 
ever, was  so  slow,  that  the  lateness  of  the  season  made 
it  necessary  that  the  attack  upon  Fort  P«  Quesne 
should  be  delayed  till  another  campaign. 

24.  It  had  been  decided  in  a  council  of  war,  that  it 
was  unadvisable  to  proceed  any  farther  that  season. 
Circumstances  occurred,  however,  to  put  the  fort 
directly  in  their  power,  without  a  battle.  Some  pris- 
oners were  taken,  who  gave  them  such  information  in 
respect  to  the  garrison  as  encouraged  them  to  proceed 
They  advanced  slowly,  and  with  caution,  till  they 
reached  Fort  Du  Quesne.  To  their  great  surprise 
they  found  that  the  troops  had  deserted  it,  and  retreat- 
ed down  the  Ohio. 

2.3.  The  possession  of  this  fortress  secured  the  peace 


22.  What  did  Washington  recommend  ?  When  was  the  re- 
duction of  Fort  Du  Quesne  at  length  undertaken?  23.  Why  was 
it  deferred  till  another  compaign?  24.  What  circumstance  indu- 
ced the  army  to    rocc  <  d  to  Lhe  fori  :  What  did  they  find  there  ? 


20  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

<md  safety  of  the  frontier  settlements.  Washington 
immediately  resigned  his  commission,  and  retired  tc 
private  life.  He  married  an  amiable  and  beautiful 
woman,  and  withdrew  to  his  estate  on  the  Potomac, 
to  the  management  of  which  he  devoted  himself  for 
the  next  fifteen  years. 


CHAPTER    II. 


Taxation  of  the  Colonies — Congress  at  Philadelphia — Washing- 
ton chosen  Commander-in-Chief — Arrival  at  Cambridge — 
Position  of  the  American  Troops — British  Army —  Want  oj 
Ammunition — Difficulty  of  enlisting  Soldiers — Possession  of 
Dorchester  Heights. 

1.  The  British  Parliament  had  been  pursuing,  for  a 
number  of  years,  a  course  of  measures  which  violated 
the  rights  rf  their  American  colonies.  They  had 
attempted  to  collect  taxes  in  the  different  provinces, 
and  claimed  the  right  of  exercising  this  power  when 
and  in  what  manner  they  pleased.  These  claims  had 
given  rise  to  a  great  deal  of  discontent  and  confusion, 
and  had  drawn  forth  a  decided  and  general  opposition 
from  every  part  of  the  country. 

25.  What  was  the  consequence  of  the  possession  of  Fort  Du 
Quesne?  What  did  Washington  then  do  ?  1.  What  effect 
bad  the  measures  of  the  British  Parliament  upon  the  American 
Colonies  ? 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  21 

2.  In  the  year  1774,  an  assembly  met  in  Philadel- 
phia to  take  into  consideration  the  rights  and  the 
grievances  of  the  Colonies.  It  was  composed  of  men 
of  the  first  character,  sent  from  each  colony  to  take 
care  of  the  common  interest.  Among  the  delegates 
from  Virginia  we  find  the  name  of  George  Washing- 
ton ;  and  on  the  subsequent  preparations  for  defence, 
he  was  unanimously  chosen  by  the  Congress,  Com- 
mander-in-chief of  the  American  forces. 

3.  This  Congress  had  taken  every  means  to  preserve 
an  honorable  peace.  They  petitioned  to  their  sover- 
eign for  the  redress  of  their  wrongs,  with  firmness  and 
propriety,  but  without  effect.  Hostilities  had  commen- 
ced at  Lexington,  and  a  battle  had  been  fought  on 
Bunker's  Hill.  It  had  been  found  necessary  to  raise 
an  army,  and  the  appointment  of  Washington  to  its 
command  was  every  where  received  with  approbation. 

4.  When  this  election  was  made  known  to  Wash- 
ington, he  expressed  his  sense  of  the  high  honor  that 
had  been  conferred  on  him,  and  modestly  signified  a 
distrust  of  his  own  ability  and  military  experience. 
"  Lest  some  unlucky  event,"  he  observed,  "  should 
happen,  unfavorable  to  my  reputation,  I  beg  it  may  be 
remembered  by  every  gentleman  in  the  room,  that  I 
this  day  declare,  with  the  utmost  sincerity,  I  do  not 

2  What  happened  in  the  year  1774  ?  What  of  the  assembly 
convened  at  Philadelphia  ?  To  what  office  was  Washington 
sleeted  ?  3.  What  had  taken  place  when  the  petitions  of 
Congress  were  refused?  4.  What  did  Washington  do  when 
his  election  was  made  known  to  him  ? 


2-i  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

think  myself  equal  with  the  command  1  am  honored 
with."  He  declined  all  compensation  for  his  services, 
and  only  desired  that  his  necessary  expenses  should  he 
discharged  by  Congress. 

5.  He  prepared  immediately  to  enter  upon  the  du- 
ties of  his  station.  Having  passed  a  few  days  in  New- 
York,  to  make  some  arrangements  with  General  Schuy 
ler,  who  commanded  there,  he  proceeded  to  Cambridge, 
at  that  time  the  head  quarters  of  the  American  army. 
On  his  way  thither,  he  received  every  token  of  respect 
and  affection,  and  every  promise  of  support  and  assist- 
ance. A  committee  of  the  Congress  of  Massachusetts 
met  him  at  Springfield,  about  one  hundred  miles  from 
Boston,  and  escorted  him  to  the  army. 

6.  Immediately  after  his  arrival,  the  Congress  pre- 
sented him  an  address,  in  which  they  expressed  their 
approbation  of  his  appointment,  and  the  great  respect 
and  affection  they  entertained  for  him.  His  reply  was 
well  calculated  to  increase  these  sentiments.  He 
returned  the  warmest  acknowledgements  of  their 
kindness,  and  promised  ever  to  retain  it  in  grateful 
remembrance. 

7.  In  the  course  of  his  answer,  he  observed,  "  In 
exchanging  the  enjoyments  of  domestic  life  for  the 
duties  of  my  present  honorable,  but  arduous  situation, 
I  only  emulate  the  virtue  and  public  spirit  of  the 
whole  province  of  Massachusetts,  which,  with  a  firm- 

5.  What  General  commanded  in  New  York?  What  was 
the  head  quarters  of  the  army  ?  What  of  Washington  ?  'J, 
What  took  place  between  Congress  and  Washington  ? 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  !£* 

ness  ana  patriotism  without  example,  has  sacrificed  all 
the  comforts  of  social  and  political  life,  in  support  of 
tup  r;crhts  of  mankind,  and  the  welfare  of  our  common 
country.  My  highest  ambition  is  to  be  the  happy  in- 
strument of  vindicating  these  rights,  and  to  see  this 
devoted  province  again  restored  to  peace,  liberty  and 
safety." 

8.  On  reaching  the  camp,  the  first  movements  of 
the  Commander-in-chief  were  directed  to  an  examina- 
tion of  the  strength  and  situation  of  his  forces.  They 
amounted  to  about  fourteen  thousand  and  five  hundred 
men ;  occupying  several  posts  in  an  extent  of  about 
twelve  miles.  Some  were  stationed  at  Roxbury,  some 
at  Cambridge,  and  some  on  Winter  and  Prospect  Hills 
in  front  of  Bunker's  Hill.  A  few  companies  were 
posted  in  the  towns  about  Boston  Bay,  which  were 
most  exposed  to  attacks  from  British  armed  vessels. 
The  troops  were  not  sufficiently  numerous  to  defend 
so  large  an  extent  of  country,  but  it  was  difficult  to 
make  a  more  compact  arrangement. 

9.  The  British  army  were  posted  in  three  divisions. 
The  main  body,  under  General  Howe  was  intrenching 
itself  on  Bunker's  Hill,  in  Charlestown.  Another 
division  was  stationed  on  Copp's  Hill,  and  the  third 
was  strongly  intrenched  and  fortified  on  Roxbury 
neck.     There  were  three  floating  batteries  in  Mystic 


7.  Repeat  Washington's  reply  to  Congress.  8.  Where  did 
Washington  station  his  forces  ?  What  was  their  number  ?  9 
How  was  the  British  army  disposed? 


24  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

river,  and   a  small   body  of  infantry   ana  light  horse 
stationed  in  Boston. 

10.  General  Washington  made  no  immediate  change 
in  the  position  or  arrangement  of  his  troops,  except  to 
form  them  into  three  grand  divisions.  That  part  of 
the  army  about  Roxbury  formed  the  right  wing,  under 
the  command  of  Major  General  Ward ;  that  division 
on  Prospect  and  Winter  Hills  formed  the  left  wing, 
under  the  command  of  Major  General  Lee.  The 
centre  division  was  under  the  immediate  command  of 
General  Washington,  whose  head  quarters  were  at 
Cambridge. 

11.  On  inquiry  into  the  state  of  the  ammunition,  it 
was  discovered  that  there  was  in  the  camp,  sufficient 
powder  to  furnish  every  soldier  with  only  nine  cart- 
ridges. This  alarming  deficiency  continued  about  a 
fortnight.  During  this  time,  efforts  were  made  in  all 
directions,  with  the  utmost  despatch  and  secrecy,  to 
procure  supplies.  All  the  colonial  committees  and 
governments  were  petitioned  to  send  every  pound  of 
lead  and  powder  that  coula  possibly  be  spared.  If  an 
attack  had  been  made  by  the  British  army  at  this  pe- 
riod, after  firing  a  few  rounds,  the  Americans  would 
have  been  left  without  any  means  of  defence.     Their 


10.  Under  what  commanders  were  the  three  divisions  of  the 
American  army  placed?  11.  What  was  discovered  concern- 
ing the  powder  ?  What  efforts  were  made  at  this  time  ?  If 
en  attack  had  been  made,  what  would  have  been  the  conse- 
quences ? 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON,  25 

powder  would  have  been  exhausted ;  and  besides  that, 
their  muskets  were  without  bayonets. 

12.  Other  difficulties  also,  were  to  be  contended 
with.  There  was  no  discipline  among  the  troops,, 
owing  to  their  being  enlisted  only  for  short  periods. 
Besides  the  want  of  arms  and  powder,  they  were  in 
need  of  clothes  and  tools.  The  appointment  of  gene- 
ral officers  by  Congress  gave  great  dissatisfaction,  and 
induced  several  of  those  who  thought  themselves  in- 
jured, to  quit  the  service.  To  remedy  all  these  evils, 
to  substitute  discipline  for  disorder,  and  regularity  for 
confusion  in  a  large  body  of  men,  and  under  the  eyes 
of  an  enemy,  was  a  task  that  required  great  wisdom 
and  perseverance. 

13.  General  Gage  had  received  a  small  reinforce- 
ment, from  New  York,  so  that  the  whole  number  of 
the  British  army  now  amounted  to  about  eight  thou- 
sand men.  The  two  armies  continued  to  work  upon 
their  fortifications  without  interruption.  Slight  skir- 
mishes occasionally  took  place,  but  with  very  little  loss 
to  either  party  This  mere  defence,  however,  did  not 
satisfy  the  active  disposition  of  Washington.  He  was 
desirous  of  some  decided  measure  to  destroy  the  army 
'in  Boston,  before  it  should  be  strengthened  by  any 
additional  reinforcements. 


12.  What  difficulties  were  to  be  encountered?  What  was 
necessary  to  remedy  these  evils  ?  13.  What  was  the  amount 
of  the  British  officers  ?  How  did  the  two  armies  employ  thom- 
selves?     Of  what  was  Washington  desirous.-' 


26  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

14.  The  situation  of  the  enemy  was  frequently  re- 
connoitred, and  every  effort  made  to  ascertain  their 
strength.  To  carry  their  works  by  storm  was  a  dan- 
gerous project,  but  it  appeared  to  Washington  practi- 
cable, and  he  determined  to  suggest  it  to  his  general 
officers.  A  council  of  war  was  called,  and  the  meas- 
ure proposed.  It  was  decided  that  the  attempt  ought 
not  to  be  at  that  time  made.  The  original  plan  of 
continuing  the  blockade  appeared  the  most  advisable. 

15.  In  the  mean  time,  the  want  of  fresh  meat  and 
vegetables  occasioned  considerable  distress  in  the  Brit- 
ish army.  Small  parties  sailed  from  Boston  to  make 
excursions  along  the  coast,  and  to  take  away  whatever 
stock  they  could  find.  It  required  a  great  deal  of  ac- 
tivity to  protect  the  sea-board  towns  from  these  attacks. 
Several  applications  were  made  to  General  Washing- 
ton, to  detach  forces  from  the  main  army  for  their 
defence.  It  was  of  course  impossible  to  comply  with 
these  requests,  and  denial  created  dissatisfaction. 
Congress  accordingly  passed  a  resolution,  that  the 
army  before  Boston  ought  not  to  be  weakened,  by 
detachments  for  the  security  of  other  parts  of  the 
country. 

16.  After  a  recess  of  a  single  month,  the  American 
Congress  had  again  assembled  at  Philadelphia  on  the 


14.  What  measure  -was  proposed  at  the  council  of  war  ?  15 
What  occasioned  distress  in  the  British  army  ?  W7hat  applica- 
tion was  made  to  General  Washington  ?  What  followed  ?  1G. 
What  subject  of  interest  now  occupied  Congress? 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  27 

fifth  of  September  The  subject  of  greatest  interest 
at  that  time  was  the  re-enlistment  of  the  army  before 
Boston.  A  committee  was  accordingly  appointed  to 
repair  to  the  camp  at  Cambridge,  and  confer  with  the 
chief  magistrates  of  the  northern  Colonies,  and  the 
council  of  Massachusetts,  on  continuing  and  regulat- 
ing the  continental  army.  As  soon  as  this  committee 
had  completed  their  arrangements,  Washington  pro- 
ceeded to  take  the  necessary  steps  for  carrying  them 
into  execution. 

17.  Great  difficulties  occurred  in  effecting  the  re- 
enlistment.  Many  were  unwilling  to  continue  in 
the  army  at  any  rate,  and  others  except  on  particulai 
conditions.  Some  insisted  on  leave  to  visit  their  fam 
ilies,  and  others  were  undetermined  whether  to  retire 
or  remain.  At  length,  with  much  labor,  the  officers 
were  arranged,  and  recruiting  orders  were  issued. 
The  officers  were  directed  to  be  careful  not  to  enlist 
any  person  suspected  of  being  unfriendly  to  the  liberty 
of  America,  or  any  abandoned  person  to  whom  all 
causes  were  indifferent.  "  Let  those  who  wish  to  put 
shackles  upon  freemen,  fill  their  ranks  with,  and  place 
their  confidence  in,  such  miscreants." 

18.  The  new  regiments  did  not  fill  so  rapidly  as 
had  been  expected.  The  old  troops,  whose  term  of 
service  had  expired,  were  eager  to  return  home ;  the 


17.  What  difficulties  occurred  ?  What  direction  was  given 
10  the  officers  ?  18.  What  did  Washington  say  to  Congress  in 
regard  to  the  diffioulti.es  that  beset  the  army  ? 


23  tjfE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

new  troops  were  slow  in  coming  in.  From  this  cir- 
cumstance, the  lines  were  often  in  a  defenceless  state. 
"It  is  not,"  says  General  Washington,  in  a  communi- 
cation to  Congress,  "in  the  pages  of  history  to  furnish 
a  case  like  ours.  To  maintain  a  post  within  musket 
shot  of  the  enemy,  for  six  months  together,  without 
ammunition,  and  at  the  same  time  to  disband  one 
army  and  recruit  another,  within  that  distance  of  twen- 
ty odd  British  regiments,  is  more,  probably,  than  ever 
was  attempted." 

19.  About  the  middle  of  February  1776,  the  ice  had 
become  sufficiently  firm  to  bear  the  troops.  Washing- 
ton was  now  desirous  to  execute  his  plan  of  attacking 
the  enemy  in  Boston.  A  council  of  war  was  again 
called,  and  was  again  almost  unanimous  against  the 
measure.  It  was  therefore  reluctantly  abandoned. 
The  regular  force  engaged  for  the  year  now  amounted 
to  more  than  fourteen  thousand  men,  and  the  militia 
to  about  six  thousand.  With  these  troops,  Washing- 
ton determined  to  take  possession  of  the  heights  oi 
Dorchester;  a  step  which  he  thought  must  certainly 
bring  on  a  general  action. 

20.  To  favor  the  execution  of  this  plan,  a  heavy 
bombardment  _  on  the  town,  and  lines  of  the  enemy, 
was  commenced,  on  the  evening  of  the  second  of 
March,  and  continued  on  the  two  succeeding  nights. 


19.  What  of  February  177G  ?  What  was  the  number  of  the 
forces?  What  did  Washington  determine  to  do?  20.  What 
happened  on  the  second  of  March ? 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  29 

On  the  night  of  the  fourth,  a  detachment  under  the 
command  of  General  Thomas  crossed  the  neck  from 
Roxbury,  and  took  possession  of  the  heights.  The 
ground  was  deeply  frozen,  and  it  was  with  great  labor 
that  the  party  were  able,  during  the  night,  to  raise 
works  that  would  protect  them  against  the  shot  of  the 
enemy. 

21.  The  British  were  very  much  surprised  on  the 
following  morning,  at  sight  of  the  American  fortifica- 
tion. It  is  reported,  that  when  they  first  appeared, 
looming  to  great  advantage  through  the  fog,  General 
Howe  observed  in  astonishment — "I  know  not  what  I 
shall  do,  the  rebels  have  done  more  in  one  night  than 
my  whole  army  would  have  done  in  weeks."  It  was 
necessary  to  drive  the  Americans  from  their  new  post, 
or  to  abandon  the  town.  Lord  Percy,  with  about  three 
thousand  men,  was  accordingly  ordered  to  dislodge  the 
Americans  from  these  heights.  The  next  day  he  em- 
barked with  his  troops,  and  fell  down  to  Castle  Island  ; 
a  position  very  favorable  for  the  attack.  A  violent 
storm  during  the  night  deranged  their  plans,  and  be- 
fore any  other  measures  could  be  taken,  the  works 
were  too  strongly  fortified  to  be  assaulted. 


What  did  the  detachment  do  under  General  Thomas  ?  21 . 
What  of  the  British  ?  General  Howe  ?  What  of  Lord  Peri;-  ? 
What  was  the  result  of  his  attempts? 


3* 


30  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON 


CHAPTER   III. 

Evacuation  of  Boston — Anecdote — Entrance  of  the  American 
army — March  to  New  York — Atrocious  plot — -Independence — 
Attempts  of  Lord  Howe  at  negotiation — Mission  of  Colonel 
Patterson — Orders  of  Washington — Battle  at  Long  Island — 
Retreat  of  the  American  army. 

1 .  Washington  was  disappointed  in  the  interrup- 
tion of  the  attack  upon  Dorchester  heights.  He  ex- 
pected that  the  best  troops  of  the  enemy  would  be 
engaged  there,  and  had  made  preparations  to  avail 
nimselfof  their  absence,  to  take  possession  of  Boston. 
Four  thousand  men  were  in  readiness  at  the  mouth  of 
Cambridge  river  to  embark  on  this  service ;  and  had 
their  plan  succeeded,  the  British  army  would  probably 
have  been  destroyed. 

2.  It  was  now  necessary  for  the  enemy  to  evacuate 
the  town.  On  Sunday,  the  seventeenth  of  March, 
they  commenced  their  embarkation  on  board  of  the 
transports.  The  American  soldiers  might  have  trou- 
bled them  very  seriously  as  they  passed  Dorchester 
heights,  but  no  orders  were  given  to  this  effect,  and 
no  molestation  was  attempted. 

3.  An  anecdote  is  related  of  this  siege,  which  re 
fleets  but  little  honor  on  the  parties  concerned  in  it. 


1.  What  plan  had  been  frustrated  by  the  interruption  of  the 
attack  upon  Dorchester?  2.  What  took  place  on  the  seven- 
teenth of  March  ?    3.  Relate  the  anecdote  of  the  theatre. 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  3 1 

The  British  officers  amused  themselves  with  a  farce, 
in  which  a  figure  was  introduced  to  burlesque  General 
Washington.  It  was  uncouthly  dressed,  with  a  large 
wig  and  i  long  rusty  sword,  attended  by  an  orderly 
serjeant,  with  an  old  gun  seven  or  eight  feet  long. 

4  Just  as  this  figure  appeared,  one  of  the  regular 
Serjeants  rushed  forward,  and  throwing  down  his  bay- 
onet, exclaimed — "  The  Yankees  are  attacking  our 
works  on  Bunker  hill."  This  was  supposed  at  first  to 
be  a  part  of  the  play;  but  when  General  Howe  called 
out,  "  OJicers  to  your  posts"  a  scene  of  the  greatest 
confusion  took  place  among  the  ladies  and  gentlemen, 
who  had  met  to  be  amused  instead  of  frightened. 

5.  In  entering  the  town,  it  was  found  that  much 
less  injury  had  been  done  than  was  anticipated. 
Washington  received  joyful  congratulations  from  all 
sides.  The  thanks  of  Congress  in  the  name  of  the 
thirteen  colonies,  were  presented  to  him,  and  the  offi- 
cers and  soldiers  under  his  command,  for  their  brave 
and  spirited  conduct.  A  medal  was  struck  with  suit- 
able devices,  and  presented  to  the  commander  in  chief, 
in  commemoration  of  this  great  event. 

6.  During  the  siege,  the  Old  South  Church,  a  brick 
building  near  the  centre  of  the  town,  had  been  con- 
verted into  a  riding  school  for  Burgoyne's  dragoons. 
The  pulpit  and  pews  were  removed,  and  the  floor  cov- 
ered with  earth,  to  make  it  suitable  for  exercising  their 

5.  What  was  found  on  entering  Boston  ?  What  then  took 
place  ?     G.  What  of  the  South  and  North  Church  ? 


32  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

horses  upon.  A  beautiful  pew,  ornamented  with  silk 
and  carved  work  was  broken  up,  and  its  pieces  taken 
for  a  fence  to  a  hogstye.  The  North  Church  was  torn 
down,  and  consumed  for  fuel. 

7.  Washington  was  of  opinion  that  the  efforts  of  the 
British  army  would  now  be  directed  towards  the  Hud- 
son. Having  left  a  small  detachment  to  complete  the 
fortification  of  Boston,  he  immediately  marched  with 
the  main  army  for  New  York.  Arriving  there  on  the 
fourteenth  of  April,  he  commenced  immediate  prepar- 
ations for  the  reception  of  the  enemy.  The  Americans 
were  occupied  with  these  labors  till  the  arrival  of  the 
British  fleet  and  army  at  Sandy  Hook.  They  were 
deficient  in  clothing,  tents,  arms,  and  military  store? 
of  every  description.  Two  thousand  men  in  the  camp 
were  unprovided  with  muskets.  In  this  weak  condi- 
tion, General  Washington  was  to  contend  with  a  pow- 
erful army,  and  to  guard  against  the  intrigues  of  those 
Americans  who  still  remained  attached  to  the  British 
cause. 

8.  A  plot  of  the  most  atrocious  nature  was  about 
this  time  detected.  A  party  of  tories  had  conspired  to 
join  the  British  army,  to  assassinate  General  Wash- 
ington, and  blow  up  the  magazines.  The  mayor  of 
(he  city,  and  an  armorer  in  the  service  of  the  tories, 
were  arrested  and  confined  in  prison.  On  examina- 
tion, it  was  confessed  that  money  had  been  received 

7.  To  what  place  did  Washington  repair?  What  was  the 
situation  of  the  army  at  this  time  ?  8.  What  plot  was  disco- 
vered ? 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  «3 

from  Governor  Tryon  to  pay  the  armorer,  and  that  two 
of  his  Excellency's  guards  were  concerned  in  the  plot. 
Several  of  these  miscreants  were  convicted  and  exe- 
cuted. 

9.  Efforts  were  now  made  to  reinforce  the  regular 
troops,  with  large  numbers  of  militia.  It  was  deter- 
mined to  form  a  flying  camp  of  ten  thousand  men  for 
the  defence  of  the  middle  colonies.  The  commander 
in  chief  was  also  authorised  to  call  on  the  provincial 
governments  for  such  temporary  aids  of  militia  as  he 
might  require. 

10.  While  these  measures  for  defence  were  going 
forward  in  the  camp,  Congress  had  been  gradually 
preparing  to  declare  the  colonies  independent  of  G"~ at 
Britain.  Early  in  June  a  resolution  to  this  effect  had 
been  moved  by  Richard  Henry  Lee,  and  seconded  by 
John  Adams.  It  was  solemnly  debated  for  a  number 
of  days  and  at  length  unanimously  adopted.  The  De- 
claration of  Independence,  which  had  been  prepared 
by  a  select  committee,  was  then  taken  into  considera- 
tion, and  after  a  few  alterations  received  the  sanction 
of  Congress,  on  the  fourth  of  July. 

11.  His  duties  in  the  field  prevented  Washing- 
ton from  taking  any  direct  agency  in  that  measure. 
Throughout  the  colonies,  it  was  hailed  by  the  citizen;? 
with  acclamations  of  joy.  On  the  reception  of  the 
instrument,  in  a  letter  to  the  president  of  Congress, 


9.  What  efforts  were  now  made,  and  what  was  determined 
upon?  10.  When  was  the  Independence  of  the  colonies  ie 
dared  ?     11    How  was  this  declaration  received  ? 


34  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

Washington  wrote  as  follows  :  "  Agreeable  to  the 
request  of  Congress,  I  caused  the  Declaration  to  be 
proclaimed  before  all  the  army  under  my  immediate 
command  ;  and  have  the  pleasure  to  inform  them 
that  the  measure  seemed  to  have  their  most  hearty 
consent  ;  the  expressions  and  behavior  of  both  offi- 
cers and  men,  testifying  their  warmest  approbation 
of  it." 

12.  Notwithstanding  the  declaration  of  independ- 
ence, Lord  Howe  was  desirous  of  a  peaceful  negocia- 
tion.  He  accordingly  sent  a  letter,  by  a  flag,  directed 
to  "George  Washington,  Esq."  This  the  general  re- 
fused to  receive,  as  it  did  not  recognize  the  public 
character  with  which  he  had  been  invested  by  Con- 
gress. His  conduct  on  this  occasion  met  with  the 
approbation  of  this  body,  and  they  resolved,  "  that 
he  had  acted  with  the  dignity  becoming  his  char- 
acter." 

13.  The  British  commander  was  very  anxious  to 
obtain  an  interview  with  Washington,  but  was  unwill- 
ing to  adopt  his  military  address.  He  accordingly 
sent  Colonel  Patterson  to  the  American  head  quarters, 
with  a  letter  to  "George  Washington,  &c.  &c.  &c." 
The  general  still  declined  receiving  it.      He  said  it 

was  true  the  etceteras  implied  every  thing,  they  also 
implied  any  thing  :  and  a  letter,  directed  to  a  public 
character,  should  have  an  address  descriptive  of  that 
character. 

Repeat  part  of  Washington's  letter?  12.  What  took  place 
Detvveen  Lord  Howe  and  General  Washington  ? 


LIFE  Of    WASHINGTON.  35 

14.  Colonel  Patterson  then  said  that  General  Howe 
would  not  urge  his  delicacy  any  further :  repeating  his 
assertion  that  not  the  slightest  disrespect  was  intended 
in  the  form  of  the  address.  Some  conversation  ensued 
in  respect  to  the  treatment  of  prisoners ;  when  the 
colonel  observed  that  Lord  and  General  Howe  had 
been  appointed  commissioners  by  the  king,  and  were 
very  desirous  of  arranging  the  difficulties  that  had  so 
unfortunately  arisen. 

15.  General  Washington  observed  that  he  was  vest- 
ed with  no  power  of  treating  upon  the  subject.  He 
had  read  the  act  of  parliament,  and  found  Lord  and 
General  Howe  only  authorized  to  grant  pardons.  The 
Americans,  having  committed  no  fault,  desired  no 
pardon  ;  they  were  only  defending  their  rights.  Colo- 
nel Patterson  seemed  confused,  and  said  this  would 
open  a  wide  field  for  argument.  After  some  few 
remarks,  he  was  invited  to  a  small  collation  and  in- 
troduced to  the  genera!  officers.  With  many  polite 
expressions  at  taking  leave,  he  observed — "Has 
your  Excellency  no  commands  to  my  Lord  or  General 
Howe?"  "None,  Sir,"  replied  Washington,  "but 
my  particular  compliments  to  both  of  them." 

10.  The  force  of  General  Howe  amounted  to  twen 
ty-four  thousand  men,  well  disciplined  and  provided 
with  all  the  necessaries  of  war.  He  was  supported 
by  a  powerful  fleet  and  was  expecting  reinforcements 

14.  What  of  Colonel  Patterson?  15.  Washington  ?  What  was 
the  result  of  Colonel  Patterson's  embassy  ?  1G.  What  was  the 
force  of  General  Howe  ? 


30  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

daily.  When  he  landed  on  Staten  Island,  the  Ameri- 
can forces  did  not  exceed  ten  thousand  men.  Before 
the  end  of  August  however  they  amounted  to  about 
twenty-seven  thousand.  Many  were  sick  however, 
and  a  large  number  were  militia.  They  were  distri- 
buted about  at  different  posts  in  the  vicinity  of  New 
York. 

17.  An  attack  from  the  enemy  being  daily  expect- 
ed, General  Washington  exerted  himself  to  establish 
discipline,  and  circulate  military  spirit  among  his 
troops.  The  orders  which  he  issued  soon  after  the 
arrival  of  General  Howe,  were  well  adapted  to  cherish 
a  love  of  liberty,  and  excite  a  general  indignation 
against  the  invaders.  "  The  time,"  he  observed,  "  is 
now  at  hand,  which  must  possibly  determine  whether 
Americans  are  to  be  freemen  or  slaves  :  whether  they 
are  to  have  any  property  they  can  call  their  own  ; 
whether  their  houses  and  farms  are  to  be  pillaged  and 
destroyed,  and  themselves  consigned  to  a  state  of 
wretchedness  from  which  no  human  efforts  can  deliver 
them." 

18.  On  the  twenty-second  of  August,  the  greatest 
part  of  the  British  troops  landed  on  Long  Island,  and 
on  the  fifth  day  after,  commenced  the  attack.  The 
possession  of  this  post  was  necessary  to  the  defence  of 
New  York,  and  a  strong  detachment  had  been  placed 
there  under  the  command  of  General  Green.     This 

What  of  the  American  army  ?  17.  What  did  Washington 
exert  himself  to  do  ?  What  did  he  say  to  the  people  ?  19.  When 
did  the  British  commence  the  attack  ?     What  of  Gen.  Green? 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  37 

officer  was  well  acquainted  with  all  the  passes  of  the 
island,  but  he  had  unfortunately  fallen  sick  a  few 
days  before  the  attack.  The  American  troops  were 
at  that  time  therefore  under  the  command  of  General 
Sullivan. 

19.  The  attack  was  made  at  several  points  by  dif- 
ferent detachments  of  the  British  army.  A  series  of 
small  battles  ensued.  There  were  defeats  and  vic- 
tories between  inconsiderable  parties  on  every  side. 
This  continued  for  a  number  of  hours,  when  the  Ame- 
ricans were  completely  routed  in  all  directions. 

20.  While  the  action  was  at  its  height,  General 
Washington  passed  over  to  Long  Island,  to  witness  a 
carnage  which  he  could  not  prevent.  It  was  out  of 
his  power  to  bring  the  rest  of  the  army  into  the  field  ; 
for  this  would  have  been  to  risk  every  thing  on  a  sin- 
gle engagement.  A  general  defeat  at  that  time  might 
have  crushed  forever  the  hopes  of  liberty. 

21.  The  American  troops  retired  within  their  lines, 
discouraged  and  fatigued,  with  a  victorious  army  in 
front,  and  a  powerful  fleet  about  to  enter  East  River, 
for  the  purpose  of  cutting  off  their  retreat.  Washing- 
ton immediately  determined  to  evacuate  the  island 
with  all  his  forces.  With  this  view,  he  crossed  over 
to  the  island  on  the  night  of  the  twenty-ninth,  to  con- 
duct the  retreat  in  person. 


General  Sullivan  ?  19.  What  was  the  result  of  the  attack? 
a0.  What  of  Washington?  21 .  The  American  troops  ?  What 
did  Washington  determine  to  do  ? 


38  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

22.  It  so  happened,  that  about  two  o'clock  in  the 
morning,  a  heavy  fog  enveloped  the  whole  of  Long 
Island.  Under  this  cover,  an  army  of  nine  thousand 
men,  with  their  baggage,  provision,  horses,  and  mili- 
tary stores,  crossed  a  river  more  than  a  mile  wide,  and 
landed  at  New  York  with  no  material  loss.  It  was  done 
in  such  silence,  that  the  enemy,  who  were  so  near  that 
they  were  heard  at  work  with  their  pick-axes,  knew 
nothing  about  the  matter,  till  the  clearing  up  of  the  fog. 

23.  In  conducting  this  difficult  movement,  Wash- 
ington was  incessantly  active.  For  forty-eight  hours 
he  did  not  close  his  eyes,  and  much  of  that  time  he 
was  on  horse-back.  Notwithstanding  the  entreaties 
of  his  officers,  he  remained  among  the  last  upon  the 
shore,  refusing  to  embark  till  he  saw  his  troops  safely 
on  board  the  transports. 


CHAPTER   IV. 


Communication  to  Congress— Evacuation  of  New  York— A  svccesS" 
fid  skirmish — Loss  efforts  Washington  and  Lee — Proclamation 
of  pardon — Retreat — Capture  of  General  Lee — Passage  of  the 
Delaioare — Letter  to  Congress — Situation  of  the  British  army. 

1.  The  defeat  at  Long  Island  created  a  good  deal 
of  alarm  in  the  American  camp.     The  soldiers  knew 

22.  What  circumstance  enabled  the  Americans  to  leave  the 
island  unobserved  ?  23.  How  did  Washington  conduct  the 
retreat  ?  1.  What  was  the  consequence  of  the  defeat  at  Long 
Island? 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  39 

their  own  inexperience  and  want  of  discipline,  and 
attributed  their  ill  success  entirely  to  the  military  skill 
of  the  enemy.  They  began  to  fear  that  nothing  would 
compensate  for  a  want  of  military  knowledge.  They 
were  apprehensive,  whenever  the  enemy  approached, 
of  some  new  surprize,  or  some  skilful  manoeuvre,  from 
which  nothing  could  save  them  but  flight.  The  mili- 
tia, in  particular,  became  more  and  more  disorderly 
every  day. 

2.  Washington  had  recourse  to  entreaty,  to  persua- 
sion, and  to  promises,  to  arrest  the  progress  of  this 
evil.  He  addressed  to  Congress  a  faithful  account  of 
their  situation.  In  this  communication  he  urged  upon 
them  the  necessity  of  making  enlistments  for  a  longer 
period.  The  defence  of  the  public  liberties  was  to  be 
entrusted  only  to  a  permanent  army,  regularly  disci- 
plined. It  required  time,  to  reduce  to  necessary  order, 
men  who  had  been  subject  to  no  control  but  that  of 
their  own  will,  and  who  refused  to  submit  to  restraint 
and  government. 

3.  In  a  few  days  after  this  remonstrance,  Congress 
resolved  to  raise  eighty-eight  battalions  to  serve  during 
the  war.  It  was  important  therefore,  to  wear  away 
the  present  campaign  with  as  little  loss  as  possible,  in 
order  to  take  the  field  the  next  year  with  a  permanent 
body  of  troops.  The  evacuation  of  New  York  was 
accordingly  determined  on,  as  soon  as  it  might  be 
necessary  to  prevent  risking  the  army.    ^. 

2.  What  of  General  Washington?  3.  What  of  Congress? 
What  was  determined  upon? 


40  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

4.  While  Washington  was  taking  measures  to  pre- 
serve his  troops  and  stores  by  evacuating  the  city,  the 
British  commander  was  pursuing  his  plan  of  bringing 
about  a  general  action.  On  the  fourteenth  of  Septem- 
ber, General  Clinton  landed  with  four  thousand  men, 
three  miles  above  New  York.  This  was  effected  un- 
der cover  of  five  men  of  war.  Works  had  been  thrown 
up  at  this  place  by  the  Americans,  and  they  were 
capable  of  defence ;  but  the  troops  posted  there,  on 
the  firing  of  the  ships,  immediately  abandoned  them. 

5.  Two  brigades  were  detached  from  the  main  body 
to  support  them.  Washington  rode  promptly  to  the 
scene  of  action,  and  to  his  great  mortification  found 
the  whole  retreating.  While  attempting  to  rally  them, 
and  with  some  success,  on  the  appearance  of  a  very 
small  body  of  the  enemy,  they  again  broke  and  retreat- 
ed in  great  confusion. 

6.  At  this  shameful  conduct,  Washington  entirely 
lost  his  self-command.  He  thought  of  the  ruin,  which 
this  miserable  cowardice  might  bring  upon  the  cause 
in  which  his  whole  soul  was  engaged.  In  despair  he 
turned  his  horse's  head  towards  the  enemy,  with  the 
intention  of  seeking  an  honorable  death.  It  was  only 
by  the  friendly  violence  of  his  aids,  that  he  was  com- 
pelled to  retire, -and  his  life  saved  for  his  country. 

7  The  issue  of  this  day  hastened  the  evacuation  of 
New  York.     It  was  accomplished  with  the  loss  of  very 


4  British  Commander  ?  General  Clinton  ?  American  troops  ? 
5.  Washington  ?  6.  How  was  he  affected  by  the  cowardice  o£ 
the  Americans  ?     7.  What  of  New  York  ? 


i 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  41 

few  men,  though  all  the  heavy  artillery,  the  tents,  and 
most  of  the  military  stores  were  left  behind.  The 
British  general  immediately  stationed  a  detachment  in 
the  city,  and  posted  his  main  army  in  front  of  the 
American  lines,  in  encampments  across  York  Island. 
The  flanks,  or  sides  of  the  army  from  front  to  rear 
were  protected  by  the  shipping. 

8.  Washington  had  made  his  strongest  post  at 
Kingsbridge,  as  that  secured  communication  with  the 
country.  In  front  of  this  he  had  placed  a  strong  de- 
tachment in  a  fortified  camp,  within  a  mile  and  a  half 
of  the  enemy.  He  was  pleased  with  this  position  of 
the  two  armies,  because  it  would  naturally  lead  to 
frequent  skirmishes,  and  accustom  his  troops  to  mili- 
tary service. 

9.  On  the  very  day  after  the  retreat  from  New 
York,  a  body  of  the  enemy  appeared  in  the  open  plain 
between  the  two  camps.  The  general  detached  some 
troops  under  the  command  of  Colonel  Knowlton  and 
Major  Leitch  to  attack  them.  After  leading  their 
men  into  action,  in  the  most  soldier-like  maimer,  both 
( hese  officers  were  brought  mortally  wounded  from  the 
field.  Their  troops  bravely  continued  the  attack,  and 
drove  the  enemy,  though  superior  in  numbers,  from 
their  position.  The  success  of  this  skirmish  had  a 
great  influence  upon  the  army. 

10.  In  his  general  orders,  Washington  applauded 

British  general  ?  8.  Position  of  the  American  forces  ?  9. 
Describe  an  attack  upon  the  British.  10.  What  did  Washing- 
ton do  to  encourage  his  army  ? 

.     4* 


42  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

the  courage  of  the  officers  and  men  on  this  occasion, 
and  contrasted  it  with  the  cowardly  conduct  of  the 
troops  the  day  before.  He  called  upon  the  whole 
army  to  remember  and  imitate  this  brave  example. 
He  gave  out  on  the  next  day  "Leitch,"  for  the  parole. 
The  parole  is  a  word  selected  by  the  commanding 
officer,  for  the  purpose  of  knowing  friends  from  ene- 
mies. In  filling  the  vacancy  occasioned  by  the  death 
of  the  colonel,  he  observed  that  "the  officer  succeeded 
the  gallant  and  brave  Colonel  Knowlton,  who  would 
have  been  an  honor  to  any  country,  and  who  had 
fallen  gloriously  fighting  at  his  post."  This  was  the 
method  which  he  adopted  to  animate  the  spirits  of 
his  army. 

11.  The  camp  of  the  Americans  was  now  too  strong 
to  be  attacked  by  a  prudent  commander.  General 
Howe  endeavored  to  force  them  to  abandon  their  posi- 
tion, or  hazard  a  general  engagement.  With  this 
view,  he  determined  to  form  an  encampment  from  the 
North  river  along  the  rear  of  the  American  lines. 
The  troops  were  landed,  and  several  skirmishes  took 
place ;  but  the  project  of  getting  in  the  rear  of  the 
army,  was  prevented  by  frequent  changes  of  its  posi- 
tion. The  encampment  was  not  to  be  forced,  and 
General  Howe  determined  to  change  the  scene  of  his 
operations. 

12.  His  immediate  object  was  to  invest  forts  Wash- 
ington and  Lee.     The  possession  of  these  posts  would 


11.  General  Howe  ?     12.  What  of  Fort  Wash'igton   and 
Lee  ?     What  followed  ? 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  43 

,jive  him  the  commands  of  North  river,  and  assist  the 
invasion  of  New  Jersey.  Having  prepared  for  an  as- 
sault upon  Mount  Washington,  the  British  general 
called  upon  the  garrison  to  surrender.  Colonel  Ma- 
graw,  the  officer  of  that  station,  replied  that  he  should 
defend  his  works  to  the  last  extremity.  On  the  next 
day  the  attack  was  commenced  from  four  different 
quarters,  and  after  a  brave  defence  the  garrison  was 
obliged  to  surrender. 

13.  Two  thousand  men  marched  out  as  prisoners 
of  war.  The  loss  at  this  time  was  very  heavy.  Tents 
and  military  stores  were  taken  by  the  enemy,  which 
it  was  impossible  to  replace.  The  conquest  of  Mount 
Washington  made  the  immediate  evacuation  of  fort 
Lee  necessary.  This  was  effected  with  little  loss  of 
men,  but  with  a  great  loss  of  baggage  and  artillery. 

14.  When  General  Howe  crossed  into  New  Jersey, 
Washington  posted  his  army  along  the  Hackensack. 
As  the  British  forces  advanced,  he  retreated  towards 
the  Delaware.  It  often  happened,  that  the  front 
guard  of  one  army  entered  a  village,  as  the  rear  guard 
of  the  other  was  quitting  it  at  the  opposite  end. 
Whenever  it  could  be  dc-ne  with  prudence,  Washing- 
ton took  a  stand  and  made  a  show  of  resistance ; 
sometimes  advancing  a  small  detachment  as  if  to  en- 
gage the  enemy. 

15.  At  Brunswick,  Lord  and  General  Howe,  issued 
a  proclamation  as  commissioners,  commanding  all  per- 


13.  Loss  of  the  Americans?     Fort  Lee?     14.  Conduct  of 
Washington  ?     15.   What  was  issued  at.  Brunswick  ? 


44  iJFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

sons  in  arms  against  the  king  to  return  peaceably  to 
their  homes,  and  offering  a  full  pardon  to  all  who 
would  subscribe  a  submission  to  the  royal  authority. 
This  was  the  darkest  period  of  the  whole  war.  The 
American  army  were  reduced  in  numbers,  worn  out 
with  fatigue,  disheartened  by  defeat,  barefoot,  without 
tents  or  clothing,  and  flying  before  a  numerous  and 
disciplined  body  of  well  armed  and  well  provided 
troops. 

1G.  In  this  situation,  in  the  coldness  of  winter,  they 
performed  a  retreat  through  a  desponding  countryp 
more  disposed  to  submission  than  resistance.  Scarce- 
ly one  of  the  inhabitants  joined  them  during  this 
period,  while  large  numbers  daily  flocked  to  the  Bri- 
tish standard,  to  perform  the  required  conditions,  and 
accept  the  promised  pardon.  The  small  force  which 
commenced  the  retreat  was  continually  lessened,  by 
the  expiration  of  the  term  of  service  for  which  the 
soldiers  were  engaged.  No  persuasion  would  induce 
them  to  remain.  They  would  leave  their  general, 
when  the  advancing  enemy  was  almost  in  sight. 

1G.  General  Lee,  who  commanded  the  eastern 
troops,  had  been  repeatedly  ordered  to  join  the  main 
army.  He  obeyed- with  reluctance  and  delay.  Soon 
after  he  entered  New  Jersey,  taking  up  his  quarters 
for  the  night  in  a  house  three  miles  from  his  troops, 
he  was  surprized  and  made  prisoner  by  a  party  of 
British  dragoons. 

State  of  the  army  ?  Retreat?  Conduct  of  the  soldiers ;  16. 
General  Lee  ? 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  45 

17  Washington  remained  calm  and  confident  in 
(he  midst  of  all  these  evils.  He  omitted  no  opportu- 
nity to  animate  his  soldiers  and  embarrass  the  enemy. 
The  public  danger  only  roused  him  to  more  active 
exertions.  He  was  always  cheerful  and  composed. 
As  the  British  army  advanced,  it  was  found  necessary 
to  retreat  beyond  the  Delaware.  This  river  was  ac- 
cordingly crossed  on  the  eighth  of  December.  The 
boats  were  all  secured,  the  bridges  broken  down,  and 
parties  stationed  in  such  a  manner  as  to  guard  the 
different  fording  places  over  which  it  was  possible  for 
the  enemy  to  pass.  General  Howe,  after  an  unsuc- 
cessful attempt  to  obtain  boats  to  pass  the  river,  posted 
his  army  in  New  Jersey ;  intending  to  wait  till  the  ice 
should  furnish  him  with  a  passage  to  Philadelphia. 

18.  During  this  retreat,  when  affairs  were  taking 
their  most  gloomy  aspect,  Washington  observed  to 
Colonel  Reed,  passing  his  hand  over  his  throat :  "  my 
neck  does  not  feel  as  if  it  were  made  for  a  halter,  we 
must  retire  to  Augusta  county,  in  Virginia,  and  if  over- 
powered, we  must  pass  the  Alleghany  mountains." 

19.  Washington  kept  a  narrow  watch  upon  the 
movements  of  the  enemy.  He  took  advantage  of  his 
present  situation,  to  renew  his  remontrances  to  Con- 
gress on  the  subject  of  short  enlistments.  With  the 
utmost  deference  and  delicacy,  he  suggested  the  ne- 
cessity of  enlarging  his  own  powers,  to  enable  him  to 

17.  Washington?.  Crossing  the  Delaware ?  General  Howe ? 
18.  Anecdote  of  Washington  ?  19.  Remonstrances  of  Wash- 
ington ? 


46 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON 


American  Army  crossing  the  Delaware 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  4? 

execute  important  measures  in  the  most  effectual  man- 
ner. "I  have  no  lust,"  he  observed,  "alter  power, 
but  wish  with  as  much  fervency  as  any  man  upon  the 
wide  extended  continent,  for  an  opportunity  of  turning 
the  sword  into  a  ploughshare.  But  my  feelings  as  an 
officer,  and  a  man,  have  been  such,  as  to  force,  me  to 
say,  that  no  person  ever  had  a  greater  choice  of  diffi- 
culties to  contend  with  than  I  have." 

20.  Every  exertion  was  made  to  procure  reinforce- 
ments, to  supply  the  place  of  those  who  were  daily 
leaving  them.  It  was  all  however  unavailing,  except 
in  the  city  and  neighborhood  of  Philadelphia.  Fifteen 
hundred  citizens  were  here  enlisted  to  march  to  the 
aid  of  Washington.  At  the  same  time,  an  addition 
was  made  to  his  forces  by  the  arrival  of  the  troops 
under  General  Sullivan  ;  upon  whom  the  command 
had  fallen  on  the  capture  of  Qeneral  Lee.  The  whole 
army  now  amounted  to  about  seven  thousand  men. 

21.  The  British  army,  in  the  security  of  conquest, 
were  di-persed  through  the  different  towns  of  New 
Jersey,  separated  from  their  enemies  only  by  the 
river  Delaware.  On  learning  their  scattered  situation, 
Washington  observed — ''Now  is  the  time  to  clip  their 
wings,  when  t.n.?y  are  sr>  spread."  He  determined  fc» 
re-cross  the  Deiava.e  and  attack  the  British  ^osts. 


'20.  How  v/p.rt  tliQ  foccm  in<_~<?ase.3  ?     What  *vas  now  their 
number?    21.  tfririsi!  atinv  t     Dete-mina+ion  c**  Washington  r 


48  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON 


CHAPTER   V. 

Army  re-crosscs  the  Delaware — Battle  of  Trenton — Retreat — Vic- 
tory at  Princeton — Winter  quarters — Treatment  of  American 
prisoners — Encampment  icest  of  Philadelphia — Battle  of  tlm 
Brandywine — General  Howe  enters  Philadelphia. 

1.  The  evening  of  Christmas  was  assigned  for  this 
daring  enterprize.  Arrangements  were  made  for  pass- 
ing over  in  three  divisions.  The  weather  proved  to 
be  intensely  cold,  and  so  much  ice  was  formed  in  the 
river,  that  two  parties  found  it  entirely  impossible  to 
force  their  way.  The  main  body  of  the  army,  under 
the  immediate  command  of  Washington,  alone  suc- 
ceeded; but  their  course  was  so  much  delayed,  that 
it  was  nearly  four  o'clock  in  the  morning  before  they 
were  ready  to  take  up  their  march  on  the  Jersey  side. 

2.  This  army  was  now  formed  into  two  divisions, 
one  to  enter  Trenton  at  the  west,  and  the  other  at  the 
north  end.  The  general  commanded  the  body  on  the 
north  road,  and  reached  the  out-posts  of  the  enemy 
exactly  at  eight  o'clock.  In  three  minutes  after,  he 
heard  the  guns  of  the  other  division.  The  command- 
ing officer  at  this  post,  Colonel  Rawle,  immediately 
paraded  his  soldiers  for  defence.  He  was  mortally 
wounded  by  the  first  fire,  and  his  troops  attempted  to 
file  off  towards  Princeton.  General  Washington  per- 
ceived their  design,  and  moved  a  part  of  his  troops 

1.  Relate  the  manner  of  passing  over  the  Delaware.  2.  At 
tack  on  the  enemy  at  Trenton  ? 


p.,,,, 


}>':l;M'y 


jlljblillllfe!1 

I 


y 


1,1FE  OF  WASHINGTON.  49 

into  the  road  in  their  front.  He  pressed  upon  them  \ 
their  artillery  was  seized,  and  their  troops  surren 
dered. 

3.  One  thousand  men  were  made  prisoners.  Ol 
the  American  troops,  two  privates  were  killed,  an 
officer  and  five  or  six  privates  wounded,  and  two  fro- 
zen to  death.  On  the  same  day,  General  Washington 
re-crossed  the  Delaware  with  his  prisoners,  six  pieces 
of  artillery,  a  thousand  stand  of  arms,  and  some  mili- 
tary stores.  These  being  secured,  and  his  men  having 
enjoyed  two  or  three  days  of  rest,  he  returned,  and 
took  possession  of  Trenton. 

4.  On  the  next  day  Lord  Cornwallis  moved  forward 
with  a  numerous  force,  and  reached  Trenton  about 
four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.  General  Washington 
drew  up  his  army  behind  a  creek  which  runs  through 
the  town,  and  in  this  position  waited  for  the  move- 
ments of  the  enemy.  After  having  attempted  to  cross 
this  creek,  and  finding  the  passes  guarded,  the  British 
general  halted  his  troops,  and  determined  to  defer  the 
attack  till  the  following  morning. 

5.  The  situation  of  the  American  troops  was  criti- 
cal. Washington  called  a  council  of  his  officers,  and 
laid  before  them  the  different  plans  that  they  might 
adopt.  A  retreat  across  the  Delaware  was  impracti- 
cable on  account  of  the  ice.  A  defeat,  if  they  risked 
an  engagement,  would  be  entire  destruction.     It  was 


3.  Result?  Washington?  4.  Lord  Cornwallis  ?  Why  was 
the  attack  deferred  ?  5.  Plans  of  Ike  Americans?  Which  was' 
determined  upon  ? 


50  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

determined  to  quit  their  present  position,  and  get  m 
the  rear  of  the  British  army  at  Princeton. 

6.  On  the  next  morning,  Lord  Cornwallis  discover- 
ed that  his  enemy  had  disappeared.  Soon  after  dark, 
Washington  had  given  orders  for  the  removal  of  the 
baggage  to  Burlington.  Guards  were  stationed  to  per- 
form the  usual  rounds,  and  to  keep  the  watch-fires 
burning  throughout  the  night.  At  one  o'clock,  the 
army  silently  left  the  camp,  and  gained  the  rear  of  the 
enemy.  They  reached  Princeton  early  in  the  morr.- 
ing,  and  would  have  completely  surprized  the  British, 
if  they  had  not  been  met  by  an  advance  of  three  regi 
ments,  which  were  on  their  way  to  join  the  main  army. 

7.  The  centre  of  the  American  troops  was  severely 
charged  by  this  party,  and  gave  way  in  disorder.  In 
his  effort  to  rally  them,  General  Mercer  was  mortally 
wounded.  At  this  moment,  Washington  advanced  at. 
the  head  of  his  troops,  and  plunged  into  the  hottest  fire 
of  the  enemy.  He  was  bravely  supported  by  his  men, 
and  the  British  were  obliged  to  retreat.  One  party  ot 
them  fled  to  the  colleges,  but  after  a  few  discharges 
from  the  American  field-pieces,  they  came  out  and 
surrendered  themselves.  More  than  an  hundred  of  the 
British  were  left  dead  upon  the  battle  ground,  and 
jhree  hundred  were  made  prisoners. 

8.  These  victories  at  Trenton  and  Princeton  pro- 
duced very  important  consequences.  Philadelphia  was 
saved  for  the  winter.     The  enemy  at  Christmas  were 

6.  Retreat  to  Princeton  ?  7.  Battle  of  Princeton?  8.  Con 
sequences  of  these  victories? 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON .  51 

m  possession  of  the  whole  of  New  Jersey  ;  before  the 
end  of  January  they  held  but  two  posts  in  the  state. 
The  courage  of  the  American  troops  was  revived  by 
this  success.  The  character  of  tiie  commander  in 
chief  acquired  new  esteem,  and  rose  still  higher  in 
public  confidence.    Every  thing  brightened  with  hope. 

9.  Washington  retired  with  his  troops  to  quarters 
in  Morristown.  In  the  course  of  the  winter  several 
slight  skirmishes  took  place,  which  were  usually  in 
favor  of  the  Americans.  The  arrangement  of  the 
army  in  spring,  occasioned  a  good  deal  of  difficulty. 
The  troops  were  raised  by  the  states,  and  not  by 
the  general  government.  Each  state,  therefore,  that 
supposed  itself  in  danger  of  an  invasion,  was  desirous 
of  retaining  a  part  of  its  force  for  its  own  security. 
This  embarrassment  was  finally  removed  by  the  au- 
thority and  personal  influence  of  the  commander  in 
chief. 

10.  The  treatment  of  American  prisoners  by  the 
British  officers,  was  a  source  of  great  vexation  and 
difficulty.  They  were  viewed  as  rebels,  and  confined 
in  prisons  with  common  felons.  General  Washington 
had  written  to  General  Gage  on  this  subject  early  in 
the  war.  In  this  letter  he  declared  the  intention,  to 
regulate  his  conduct  towards  prisoners  in  his  own 
hands,  by  the  treatment  which  those  should  receive 
in  the  power  of  the  British  general.  To  this  commu- 
nication an  insolent  reply  was  received,  which  drew 

9  Skirmishes  ?  Difficulties  ?  10  American  prisoners 
Washington's  letter  ?     Iteply 


52  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

from  Washington  an  answer    "to  close  their  corres- 
pondence, perhaps  forever." 

11.  In  the  approach  of  active  operations,  Congress 
determined  to  form  an  encampment  on  the  western 
side  of  Philadelphia.  Washington  had  made  his  ar- 
rangements for  the  campaign,  with  the  expectation 
that  the  British  would  attempt  to  obtain  possession 
of  Philadelphia,  or  the  Highlands  on  the  Hudson. 
To  prevent  this,  the  northern  troops  were  divided  be- 
tween Ticonderoga  and  Peekskill ;  while  those  from 
the  south  were  posted  at  Middlebrook,  near  the  Rari- 
tan.  This  position  was  fortified  by  entrenchments. 
The  American  forces  were  in  a  weak  condition,  and 
much  inferior  in  numbers  to  the  enemy. 

12.  Early  in  June,  Sir  William  Howe  collected  his 
forces  at  Brunswick.  He  attempted  every  means  to 
mduce  Washington  to  leave  his  camp,  and  hazard 
a  general  engagement.  Finding  this  impossible,  he 
withdrew  his  troops  to  Staten  Island,  with  the  design 
of  embarking  them  for  the  Delaware  or  the  Chesapeak. 
Washington  was  doubtful  in  respect  to  the  destination 
of  the  enemy.  After  leaving  Sandy  Hook,  their  fleet 
put  out  to  sea,  and  were  not  heard  of  for  nearly  three 
weeks. 

13.  This  uncertainty  continued  till  about  the  mid- 
dle of  August,  Accounts  were  at  that  time  received 
that  the  British  had  taken  possession  of  the  Chesa- 
peak, and  landed  as  near  as  possible  to  Philadelphia. 

LI.  Position  of  the  Americans  ?  12.  Sir  William  Howe  ? 
13.  Position  of  the  British  ?     Washington  ? 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  53 

Washington  immediately  put  his  forces  in  motion  to 
meet  them.  His  whole  army  did  not  exceed  eleven 
thousand  men.  He  passed  with  every  appearance 
of  confidence  through  Philadelphia,  to  give  an  impres- 
sion of  his  strength,  to  those  citizens  who  remained 
hostile  to  the  American  cause.  The  two  armies  ap- 
proached each  other  on  the  third  of  September. 

14.  As  the  British  troops  advanced,  Sir  "William 
Howe  endeavored  to  gain  the  right  wing  of  the  Amer- 
ican army.  Genera]  Washington  continued  to  fall 
back  until  he  crossed  the  Brandywine  river.  He  here 
posted  his  troops  on  the  high  ground  near  Chadd's 
ford.  The  light  corps  under  General  Maxwell  was 
advanced  in  front,  and  placed  on  the  hills  south  of  the 
river,  in  order  to  assail  the  enemy  if  they  should 
approach  in  that  direction.  Troops  were  also  posted 
at  a  ford  two  miles  below,  and  at  several  passes  some 
miles  above.  The  opinion  of  Congress,  and  the  gen- 
eral wish  of  the  country,  made  it  necessary  for  Wash- 
ington to  risk  a  general  action  at  this  place. 

15.  On  the  morning  of  the  eleventh,  the  British 
army  advanced  in  two  columns  to  the  attack.  One 
column  took  the  direct  road  to  Cliadd's  ford,  and  soon 
forced  Maxwell's  corps  to  cross  the  river,  with  very 
little  loss  on  either  side.  General  Knyphausen,  'lie 
commander  of  this  body,  continued  to  parade  on  the 
heights,  to  reconnoitre  the  American  army,  and  was  ap- 
parently preparing  to  attempt  the  passage  of  the  river. 

14.  Where  were  the  two  armies  stationed  ?  15.  Lhitiab 
army  ? 


54  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

16.  The  other  column,  led  by  Lord  Cornwallis,  mov- 
ed up  on  the  west  side  of  the  Brandywine,  making  a 
circuit  of  about  seventeen  miles.  On  coming  within 
view  of  the  American  troops,  it  instantly  formed  the 
line  of  battle,  and  at  about  half  after  four  the  action 
began.  It  was  continued  with  great  spirit  for  some 
time.  The  American  right  first  fell  into  disorder  and 
gave  way.  They  attempted  to  rally,  but  on  being 
vigorously  charged  by  the  enemy,  again  broke.  The 
flight  now  became  common.  General  Washington, 
who  had  hastened  towards  the  scene  of  action  as  soon 
as  the  firing  commenced,  only  arrived  in  season  tc 
cover  the  retreat. 

17.  When  the  right  wing  was  engaged  with  Lord 
Cornwall-is,  the  works  at  Chadd's  ford  had  been  assault- 
ed and  carried  by  General  Knyphausen.  The  whole 
army  retreated  that  night  to  Chester,  and  on  the  next 
day  to  Philadelphia.  The  Americans  lost  in  this  bat- 
tle, about  nine  hundred  men,  three  hundred  of  whom 
were  slain  and  the  rest  wounded  and  taken  prisoners. 

IS.  This  defeat  occasioned  no  dejection  either 
among  the  citizens,  or  in  the  army.  Measures  were 
immediately  taken  to  procure  reinforcements.  Fifteen 
hundred  men  were  marched  from  Peekskill,  and  large 
detachments  of  militia  ordered  into  the  field.  It  was 
determined  to  risk  a  second  engagement,  for  the  se- 
curity of  Philadelphia-  The  enemy  sought  it,  and 
Washington  was  willing  to  meet  it. 

16.  Battle  of  the  Brandywine  ?  17.  Loss  of  the  Americans  ? 
18.  Consequences  5 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  5o 

19.  Perceiving  that  the  enemy  were  moving  into 
the  Lancaster  road  towards  the  city,  General  Wash- 
ington took  possession  of  ground  upon  their  left,  about 
twenty-three  miles  from  Philadelphia.  The  advance 
of  the  two  armies  met,  and  commenced  a  skirmish, 
when  a  violent  storm  of  rain  arose  and  continued  for 
a  day  and  a  night.  When  the  rain  ceased,  the  Ame- 
ricans discovered  that  their  ammunition  was  entirely 
spoiled.  Many  of  the  soldiers  were  without  bayonets, 
and  the  army  was  consequently  in  a  very  dangerous 
position. 

20.  On  ascertaining  the  extent  of  damage  to  the 
arms  and  ammunition,  General  Washington  ascended 
the  Schuylkill,  and  crossed  it,  to  repair  their  deficien- 
cies. He  still  resolved  to  risk  a  general  action  for  the 
preservation  of  the  city.  He  re-crossed  the  Schuylkill 
at  Parker's  ferry,  and  encamped  on  the  east  side.  As 
the  British  army  approach  the  river,  General  Wash 
ington  posted  his  army  in  their  front.  Instead  of 
urging  an  action,  Sir  William  Howe  continued  his 
march  towards  Pleading.  To  save  the  stores  which 
had  been  deposited  in  that  place,  the  American  gen- 
eral took  a  new  position,  which  left  the  road  to  the 
Capital  exposed  to  the  enemy.  Gn  the  twenty-sixtk 
of  September,  General  Howe  entered  Philadelphia. 

19.  What  happened  during  the  skirmish  ?  20.  What  took 
place  between  the  two  armies  ? 


56  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 


CHAPTER    VI. 

Works  on  the  Delaware — Battle  of  Germantovm — Forts  taken — 
Encampment  at  White  Marsh — Winter  quarters  at  Valley 
Forge — Sufferings  of  the  Americans — Plan  to  supplant  Gene- 
ral Washington — His  letters  on  the  subject — Situation  of  the 
Army  at  Valley  Forge. 

1.  General  Washington  had  seasonably  removed 
all  public  stores  from  the  city,  and  secured  those  arti- 
cles of  merchandize  which  might  be  required  for  the 
use  of  the  army.  Though  failing  in  his  plan  to  save 
Philadelphia,  he  retained  the  undiminished  confidence 
of  the  States  and  of  Congress.  Instead  of  now  going 
into  winter  quarters,  he  approached  and  encamped 
near  the  enemy. 

2.  Four  regiments  of  the  British  army  were  posted 
in  Philadelphia,  and  the  remainder  at  Germantown. 
The  first  object  of  Sir  William  Howe  was  to  effect  an 
open  communication  through  the  Delaware  with  the 
British  fleet.  General  Washington  was  desirous  to 
cut  off  this  source  of  supplies,  and  erected  forts  on 
both  banks  of  this  river,  near  its  junction  with  the 
Schuylkill,  and  about  seven  miles  below  Philadelphia. 
Fn  the  channel  between  the  forts,  large  pieces  of  tim- 
ber strongly  framed  together  and  pointed  with  iron, 
were  sunk  in  two  ranges,  to  obstruct  the  passage  of 
the  ships.  These  works  were  covered  by  floating  bat- 
teries and  armed  ships. 

1.  General  Washington  ?  2.  Sir  William  Howe  ?  What 
<i?  forts  ?     What  was  done  in  the  channel  ? 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  57 

3.  A  considerable  body  of  British  troops  having 
been  despatched  to  destroy  these  works,  it  was  thought 
a  favorable  time  to  attack  their  main  body.  The 
American  forces  now  amounted  to  about  eight  thous- 
and regular  troops  and  three  thousand  militia.  The 
plan  formed,  was  to  attack  the  enemy  in  front  and 
rear  at  the  same  time ;  and,  on  the  fourth  of  October 
the  army  was  moved  near  the  scene  of  action.  The 
line  of  the  British  encampment  crossed  Germantowa 
at  right  angles. 

4.  At  sun-rise  on  the  next  morning  the  attack  was 
commenced.  The  American  troops  were  at  first 
successful.  They  routed  the  enemy  at  two  different 
quarters,  and  took  a  number  of  prisoners.  But  the 
morning  was  extremely  foggy,  and  the  Americans 
were  unable  to  take  advantage  of  their  success.  They 
could  not  perceive  the  situation  of  the  enemy,  nor 
understand  their  own  situation.  The  field  was  hastily 
abandoned,  and  Washington  was  obliged  to  resign  a 
victory  of  which  he  had  thought  himself  secure.  The 
loss  of  the  Americans,  including  the  wounded  and 
four  hundred  prisoners,  was  about  eleven  hundred. 
A  retreat  was  made  twenty  miles  to  Perkioming,  with 
the  loss  of  a  single  piece  of  artillery. 

5.  Sir  William  Howe  moved  his  whole  axmy  to 
Philadelphia.  The  attention  of  the  generals  was  now 
turned  to  the  works  on  the  Delaware.     Detachments 


3.  Number  of  the  American  forces  ?  Position  of  the  British 
army  ?  4.  Battle  of  Germantown  ?  5.  What  was  now  done 
Dy  the  Americans  ? 


58  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

were  stationed  on  both  sides  of  the  river,  to  intercept 
supplies  from  the  British  ships,  and  to  cut  off  parties 
that  were  sent  from  the  city  to  procure  provisions 
The  government  of  New  Jersey  were  called  upon  to 
turn  out  their  militia,  and  form  an  encampment  in 
the  rear  of  fort  Mercer.  Guards  were  posted  on  the 
roads  leading  to  Philadelphia,  to  prevent  the  inhabi- 
tants of  the  neighborhood  from  carrying  their  articles 
to  market. 

6.  At  this  time,  the  reverend  Jacob  Duche,  a  man 
of  piety  and  influence,  who  had  been  chaplain  of  Con- 
gress, addressed  a  long  letter  to  General  Washington. 
The  object  of  it  was  to  persuade  him  to  abandon  the 
war.  It  represented  the  calamities  into  which  the 
country  was  plunged,  and  the  improbability  of  a  suc- 
cessful resistance  to  Great  Britain.  Such  a  letter,  from 
a  man  of  the  character  of  the  writer,  and  agreeing  with 
the  sentiments  of  so  large  a  number  of  the  community, 
might  have  seemed  to  demand  some  consideration. 
Washington  returned  it,  with  a  message,  that  if  the 
contents  had  been  known,  it  would  have  been  sent 
back  unopened. 

7.  The  royal  army  succeeded  in  removing  the  ob- 
structions from  the  Delaware.  The  forts  were  taken 
and  the  gallies -abandoned  and  burned.  After  receiv- 
ing a  reinforcement  from  the  northern  army,  General 
Washington  removed  nearer  to  the  British  lines.  He 
encamped    at  White  Marsh,  a  very  strong  position, 

6.  Jacob  Duche's  letter  ?  Washing-ton's  reply  ?  7.  RoyaJ 
army  ?     Where  did  Washington  encamp  ? 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  59 

about  fourteen  miles  from  Philadelphia.  On  the  next 
morning,  Sir  William  Howe  marched  out  with  almost 
his  whole  force,  and  took  a  position  upon  Chesnut 
Hill,  about  three  miles  in  front  of  the  Americans. 

8.  The  British  commander  spent  several  days  in 
reconnoitring  the  American  camp.  He  changed  his 
ground,  and  made  every  appearance  of  an  intention 
to  commence  an  attack.  Several  severe  skirmishes 
took  place,  and  a  general  action  was  hourly  expected. 
.But  Sir  William  Howe  was  too  well  aware  of  the 
advantage  of  the  enemy's  position ;  and  returned  to 
Philadelphia  without  coming  to  an  engagement. 

9.  Three  days  after  the  retreat  of  the  British  army, 
Washington  made  preparations  to  retire  into  winter 
quarters.  He  expressed  in  his  general  orders,  strong 
approbation  of  the  conduct  of  his  troops.  Presenting 
them  with  a  favorable  view  of  their  country's  situation, 
he  exhorted  them  to  bear  with  firmness  the  sufferings 
to  which  they  must  be  exposed  in  the  position  they 
were  about  to  occupy. 

10.  Valley  Forge,  about  twenty-five  miles  back  of 
Philadelphia,  was  fixed  upon  for  winter  quarters.  The 
American  army  might  have  been  tracked  by  the  blood 
of  their  bare  feet,  from  White  Marsh  to  their  new 
position.  They  were  badly  clothed  and  badly  provid- 
ed with  food.     Many  were  obliged  to  go  almost  naked, 

Wheat  position  did  Sir  William  Howe  take  ?  8.  What  of 
skirmishes?  Retreat  of  the  British  ?  9.  What  did  Washing- 
ton say  to  his  soldiers  ?  10.  What  of  Valley  Forge  ?  Suffer- 
iiiffS  of  the  Americans  ? 


€0 


LIFE  ov  WAaniN;  >!•;>- 


ife«l^ 


.":.V 


Encampment  at  Valley  Forge 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  61 

suffering  at  the  same  tims  from  famine.  In  this  situa- 
tion the  men  behaved  with  great  fortitude.  They 
felled  trees,  and  built  log-huts,  which  were  covered 
with  straw  and  earth,  and  afforded  but  very  poor  shel- 
ter from  the  severity  of  the  season. 

11.  Washington  was  now  obliged  to  pursue  a  course, 
which  he  adopted  with  the  greatest  reluctance.  The 
army  suffered  exceedingly  from  hunger.  It  was  nec- 
essary that  they  should  be  allowed  to  satisfy  their 
wants  by  force.  In  obedience  to  the  commands  of 
Congress,  the  general  issued  a  proclamation,  calling 
on  "the  farmers  within  seventy  miles  of  head-quarters 
to  thresh  out  one  half  of  their  grain  by  the  first  of 
February,  and  the  residue  by  the  first  of  March,  under 
the  penalty  of  having  the  whole  seized  as  straw." 

12.  While  these  transactions  had  been  going  on  in 
the  middle  states,  the  northern  campaign  had  termin- 
ated in  the  capture  of  the  army  of  General  Burgoyne. 
This  event  had  very  highly  raised  the  reputation  of 
General  Gates,  the  commander  in  that  department. 
The  different  issue  of  affairs  under  General  Washing- 
ton, afforded  the  ignorant  and  discontented  with  an 
occasion  to  murmur  and  complain.  Several  members 
of  Congress,  and  a  few  general  officers  of  the  army, 
were  engaged  in  a  plan  to  supplant  him  in  his  office, 
and  raise  General  Gates  to  the  chief  command. 


11.  What  was  Washington  obliged  to  do?  12.  What  had 
happened  in  the  mean  while  in  the  north  ?  What  plan  were 
Borne  of  the  Americans  engaged  in  ? 

G 


63  life  of  Washington. 

13.  In  the  prosecution  of  this  scheme,  every  effort 
was  made  to  injure  the  character  of  General  Wash- 
ington. The  conspiracy  did  not  escape  his  notice  ; 
but  love  of  country  was  superior  to  every  considera- 
tion. He  repressed  his  indignation,  to  prevent  an 
appearance  of  disunion  and  dissension,  that  might 
ruin  the  the  cause  in  which  he  was  engaged.  His 
private  letters  at  this  period  exhibit  the  state  of  his 
feelings,  and  the  honorable  motives  which  directed  his 
conduct. 

14.  In  a  communication  to  the  president  of  Con- 
gress, Mr.  Laurens,  he  observes  upon  this  subject :  — 
"My  enemies  take  an  ungenerous  advantage  of  me. 
They  know  the  delicacy  of  my  situation,  and  that 
motives  of  policy  deprive  me  of  the  defence  I  might 
otherwise  make  against  their  insidious  attacks.  They 
know  I  cannot  combat  their  insinuations,  however 
injurious,  without  disclosing  secrets,  it  is  of  the  utmost 
moment  to  conceal.  But  why  should  I  expect  to  be 
exempt  from  censure,  the  unfailing  lot.  of  an  elevated 
station.  Merit  and  talents  which  I  cannot  pretend  to 
rival,  have  ever  been  subject  to  it.  My  heart  tells  me 
it  has  been  my  unremitted  aim  to  do  the  best,  which 
circumstances  would  permit;  yet  I  may  have  been 
very  often  mistaken  in  my  judgment  of  the  means 
and  may,  in  many  instances,  deserve  the  imputation 
of  error. 


13.  What  of  General  Washington  ?     14.  Repeat  part  of  his 

•otter  to  Mr.  Laurens. 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  68 

15.  To  a  fiiend  in  New  England,  who  wrote  to  him 
in  respect  to  a  report  that  he  was  about  to  resign  his 
office,  Washington,  in  the  course  of  his  reply,  observ- 
ed :  "I  have  said,  and  I  still  do  say,  that  there  is  not 
an  officer  in  the  service  of  the  United  States,  that 
would  return  to  the  sweets  of  domestic  life  with  more 
heart-felt  joy  than  I  should.  But  I  would  have  this 
declaration  accompanied  by  these  sentiments,  that 
while  the  public  are  satisfied  with  my  endeavors,  I 
mean  not  to  shrink  from  the  cause.  But  the  moment 
her  voice,  not  that  of  faction,  calls  upon  me  to  resign, 
[  shall  do  it  with  as  much  pleasure  as  ever  the  wear- 
ied traveller  retired  to  rest." 

1G.  These  efforts  to  displace  the  commander  in 
chief,  exposed  their  authors  to  the  resentment  of  the 
community.  The  people  reposed  entire  confidence 
in  his  integrity,  courage,  and  military  skill.  The  army 
were  affectionately  attached  to  him  :  their  indignation 
was  so  strong  against  his  most  active  enemies,  that 
none  of  them  dared  to  appear  in  camp. 

17.  The  sufferings  of  the  troops  at  Valley  Forge 
continued  to  be  extremely  severe.  Early  in  February, 
the  country  in  the  vicinity  of  the  camp  was  completely 
exhausted.  General  Washington  addressed  letters  to 
the  governments  of  the  New  England  states,  repre- 
senting the  miserable  condition  of  the  army,  and 
urging  the  necessity  of  immediate  assistance.     Before 


15.  To  a  friend  in  New  England  ?     10.  Feelings  of  the  peo- 
ple towards  Washington  ?     17.  Sufferings  of  the  camp. 


64  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

relief  could  be  obtained  from  this  quarter,  the  total 
destruction  of  the  army  was  threatened  by  famine. 

IS.  Of  more  than  seventeen  thousand  men  at  that 
time  in  camp,  not  more  than  five  thousand  were  able 
to  do  military  duty.  Nearly  four  thousand  were  unfit 
from  nakedness.  The  hospitals  were  filled  with  the 
sick.  Many  foreigners  went  over  to  the  British  camp  ; 
but  very  few  native  Americans  could  be  induced  even 
by  intense  suffering  to  desert  their  cause.  If  Sir  Wil- 
liam Howe  had  attacked  the  camp,  the  want  of  all  the 
necessaries  of  life  would  have  forced  the  Americans 
to  disperse.  Fortunately,  however,  he  was  unwilling 
to  exchange  comfortable  quarters  in  Philadelphia,  for 
the  dangers  and  distresses  of  a  winter  campaign. 


CHAPTER    VII. 

Preparations  for  the  campaign — Alliance  with  France — Sir  Hen- 
ry Clinton — Battle  of  Monmouth — Trial  of  General  Lee — 
French  fleet — Violent  storm — Difficulty  with  Count  D'Estaing 
— Plan  for  the  reduction  of  Canada — Views  of  the  British 
government. 

1.  During  the  encampment  at  Valley  Forge,  Wash- 
ington was  preparing  for  an  early  campaign  in  1778. 
Congress  determined  to  send  a  committee  of  their 
body  to  consult  with  the  general  in  the  camp,  and 


18.  State  of  the  men  in  the  camp  ?     Where  was  Sir  William 
Howe  at  this  time  r     1.  What  did  Congress  do  in  1773  ? 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  65 

examine  into  the  state  of  the  army.  This  committee 
repaired  to  head  quarters  in  January.  With,  the  ad- 
vice of  his  officers,  Washington  laid  before  them  a 
statement  of  the  defects  and  abuses  of  the  existing 
system,  and  recommended  several  measures  which 
were  approved  by  Congress. 

2.  News  having  arrived  that  Congress  had  formed 
a  treaty  of  alliance  with  the  court  of  France,  orders 
were  issued  by  Genera]  Washington  under  date  of 
May  5th,  in  respect  to  the  celebration  of  this  impor- 
tant event.  The  army  on  the  next  day  attended 
divine  service  at  nine  o'clock.  The  intelligence  was 
read  to  them  from  the  Pennsylvania  Gazette,  after 
which  a  prayer  was  offered  and  a  suitable  discourse 
delivered. 

3.  On  a  given  signal  the  army  repaired  to  their 
posts,  and  were  reviewed  by  the  commander  in  chief. 
After  the  discharge  of  cannon  and  musquetry,  the 
whole  army  joined  in  the  huzza — Long  live  the  King 
of  France  !  After  a  second  discharge,  there  was  a 
genera]  huzza — Long  live  the  friendly  European  potv- 
<  rs  !  A  third  discharge  was  followed  with — Huzza 
for  the  American  states  ! 

4.  The  officers  were  then  invited  to  a  collation,  at 
which  several  patriotic  toasts  were  drank  with  loud 
cheers.  His  Excellency  took  leave  of  the  officers 
at  five  o'clock  amid  universal  huzzaing  of  Long 
live  General  Washington !  and  clapping  of  hands  till 

2.  Recount  the  celebration  of  the  treaty  of  alliance  with 
Fiance  ? 


66  life  of  Washington. 

he  had  ridden  to  some  distance.  Great  joy  reigned 
throughout  the  camp. 

5.  Sir  William  Howe  had  resigned  the  command  of 
the  British  army,  arid  was  succeeded  by  Sir  Henry 
Clinton.  This  officer  received  immediate  orders  to 
evacuate  Philadelphia.  Washington  was  uncertain 
what  course  he  would  probably  pursue.  Deciding  on 
a  march  to  New  York,  the  British  general  crossed  the 
Delaware  about  the  middle  of  June.  When  this  was 
known,  a  council  of  war  was  immediately  called  in 
the  American  camp. 

C.  There  was  a  great  difference  of  opinions.  Since 
the  recent  alliance  with  France,  independence  was 
considered  secure,  unless  the  army  should  be  defeated. 
Under  such  circumstances  a  general  engagement  was 
not  to  be  hazarded,  without  a  fair  prospect  of  success. 
This  was  the  opinion  of  a  majority  of  the  general 
officers.  Washington,  however,  was  very  desirous  to 
risk  an  action. 

7.  When  Sir  Henry  Clinton  had  advanced  to  Allen- 
town,  instead  of  pursuing  the  direct  course  to  Staten 
Island,  he  drew  towards  the  sea  coast.  On  learning 
that  he  was  marching  in  this  direction,  towards  Mon- 
mouth court-house,  Washington  sent  Brigadier  Wayne 
with  a  thousand  men  to  reinforce  his  advanced  troops. 
The  command  of  this  body  was  offered  to  General 
Lee,  who  in  the  exchange  of  prisoners  had  been  re 

5.  Sir  William  Howe  ?  What  was  called  in  the  American 
camp  ?  6.  What  were  the  different  opinions  of  the  council  ? 
7.  Sir  Henry  Clinton  ?     Washington  ?     General  Lee  ? 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  67 

stored  to  the  American  army.  This  officer  wa3  oppos- 
ed to  any  engagement  with  the  enemy  at  that  time, 
and  declined  the  service.  It  was  accordingly  given 
to  the  Marquis  de  Lafayette. 

8.  The  whole  army  followed  the  advanced  corps,  a$ 
a  convenient  distance  to  support  them  when  attacked. 
This  advance  was  afterwards  increased  by  two  bri- 
gades, and  the  command  of  the  whole  given  to  Gene- 
ral Lee.  On  the  next  morning  orders  were  sent  to 
this  officer  to  commence  the  attack,  unless  there  should 
be  strong  reasons  for  delaying  it.  Washington  moved 
forward  to  support  the  advanced  troops,  and  found 
them  retreating.  He  immediately  rode  up  to  General 
Lee  to  request  an  explanation.  Some  warm  words  en- 
sued on  both  sides.  The  troops  were  then  formed  in 
an  advantageous  position,  and  General  Lee  was  order- 
ed to  take  measures  to  check  the  enemy. 

9.  Washington  returned  to  the  main  army,  which 
was  soon  formed  for  action.  After  several  unsuccess- 
ful movements  of  the  British  troops,  they  retired  and 
took  the  ground  that  had  been  before  occupied  by 
General  Lee.  Washington  determined  to  attack  them, 
and  ordered  two  detachments  to  move  round,  upon 
their  right  and  left  sides.  They  did  not  arrive  at 
their  ground  in  season  to  commence  the  attack  that 
night.     They  remained  in  that  position  till  morning  . 


Lafayette  ?  8.  Who  commanded  the  advanced  corps  of  the 
American  army  ?  Conduct  of  General  Lee  ?  9.  Washington  ? 
British  troops  ?     American  forces  ? 


63  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

General  Washington  reposing  on  his  cloak  under  a 
tree,  in  the  midst  of  his  troops. 

10.  Before  dawn,  the  British  moved  away  in  great 
silence.  Nothing  was  known  of  their  march  till  the 
next  day.  They  left  behind  fpur  officers,  and  forty 
privates;  so  severely  wounded  that  it  was  not  safe  to 
remove  them.  Including  prisoners,  the  whole  loss 
of  the  British  army  was  about  three  hundred  and  fifty. 
They  pursued  their  march  to  Sandy  Hook  without 
farther  interruption,  and  without  any  loss  of  baggage. 
The  Americans  lost  about  two  hundred  and  fifty  men. 
Declining  pursuit  of  the  royal  troops,  they  retired  to 
the  borders  of  the  North  river. 

11.  Shortly  after  the  action,  Congress  resolved  on  a 
vote  of  thanks  to  General  Washington,  for  his  activity 
and  great  good  conduct  in  gaining  this  important 
victory.  The  subsequent  behaviour  of  General  Lee 
rendered  it  proper,  that  his  conduct,  on  this  occasion 
should  be  submitted  to  a  court-martial.  Several  charges 
were  exhibited  against  him,  and  he  was  suspended 
from  command  in  the  armies  of  the  United  States  for 
the  term  of  one  year 

12.  Soon  after  the  battle  of  Monmouth,  the  Ameri- 
can army  took  post  at  White  plains,  and  remained 
there  till  late-  in  the  Autumn.  They  then  retired  to 
Middlebrook  in  New  Jersey.  During  this  period, 
several  unimportant  skirmishes  took  place,  in  which 

10.  Retreat  of  the  British?  Prisoners?  Loss  of  the  Ameri- 
cans ?  11.  What  was  done  by  Congress  soon  after  the  action  ; 
What  of  General  Lee  ?     12.  White  Plains  ?     Middlebrook  ? 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  09 

General  Washington  was  not  personally  engaged.  He 
was  fully  occupied,  however,  with  affairs  which  requir- 
ed the  exercise  of  all  his  judgment  and  firmness. 

13.  The  French  fleet  arrived  too  late  to  attack  the 
British  in  the  Delaware.  It  was  determined  therefore 
that  a  joint  expedition,  with  the  sea  and  land  forces, 
should  be  made  against  the  British  posts  in  Rhode 
Island.  General  Sullivan  was  appointed  to  the 
conduct  of  the  American  troops :  Count  D'  Estaing 
commanded  the  French  fleet.  The  preparations  for 
commencing  the  attack  had  been  nearly  completed, 
when  a  British  fleet  appeared  in  sight.  The  French 
commander  immediately  put  out  to  sea,  to  come  to  an 
engagement.  A  violent  storm  arose,  and  injured  both 
fleets  to  such  an  extent,  that  it  was  necessary  for  the 
one  to  sail  for  Boston,  and  the  other  to  New  York, 
to  refit. 

14.  General  Sullivan  had  commenced  the  siege,  in 
the  expectation  of  being  shortly  seconded  by  the  French 
fleet.  The  determination  of  D'  Estaing  to  return  to 
Boston  excited  general  alarm.  It  left  the  harbors 
of  Rhode  Island  open  for  reinforcements  to  the  British, 
from  their  head-quarters  in  New  York.  The  very 
safety  of  the  American  army  was  endangered  by  it. 
Every  effort  was  made  to  induce  the  French  command- 
er to  change  his  intentions,  but  without  effect.  This 
affair  produced  a  great  deal  of  discontent  and  irritation, 

General  Washington  ?  13.  What  was  now  determined 
upon  ?  Who  commanded  the  Americans  ?  Who  the  French 1 
Storm  ?     14.  Conduct  of  D'  Estainjr  ? 


70  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

among  the  American  officers,  and  was  likely  to  lead 
to  very  serious  difficulties. 

15.  With  his  usual  prudence  and  good  judgement, 
General  Washington  exerted  his  influence  to  quiet  the 
wounded  feelings  ol  both  parties.  He  was  powerfully 
assisted  in  this  attempt,  by  the  Marquis  de  Lafayette; 
who  was  very  much  beloved  by  the  Americans  as  well 
as  the  French,  and  gladly  rendered  his  services  to  bring 
about  a  reconciliation.  Washington  wrote  on  the 
subject  to  the  several  general  officers  of  his  army,  and 
took  the  first  opportunity  of  recommencing  his  corres- 
pondence with  Count  D'  Estaing.  His  letter  took  no 
notice  of  the  angry  dispute  that  had  occurred,  and  good 
humor  and  cordial  good  will  were  speedily  restored. 

16.  In  the  latter  months  of  the  year  1778,  Congress 
were  occupied  with  a.  splendid  plan  for  the  reduction 
of  Canada.  This  was  to  be  attempted  in  the  ensuing 
year  by  an  union  of  the  French  and  American  forces. 
The  measure  was  almost  entirely  arranged,  before  it 
was  communicated  to  Washington.  He  was  then 
requested  to  write  to  Dr.  Franklin,  the  American 
minister  at  Paris,  to  secure  the  active  assistance  of 
the  government  of  France. 

17.  In  reply  to  the  communications  of  Congress, 
General  Washington  expressed  himself  in  direct  oppo- 
sition to  the  measure.  lie  was  unwilling  that  any 
engagements  should  be  made  with  foreign  powers,  of 

15.  What  coarse  did  Washington  and  Lafaj^ette  adopt?  Ef- 
fect of  Washington's  letter?  16.  Plana  of  Congress  in  the 
year  1778?     17.  Washington'-..;  opinion  of  the  measure? 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  73 

which  circumstances  might  prevent  the  performance. 
The  plan  appeared  to  him  loaded  with  embarrassments. 
A  Committee  was  afterwards  appointed  by  Congress 
to  confer  with  him  upon  the  subject,  and  by  his  advice 
the  proposed  expedition  was  prudently  abandoned. 

IS.  The  alliance  with  France  had  seemed  to  many 
to  secure  our  independence.  It  was  supposed  thai 
Great  Britain  would  despair  of  final  success,  and  relin-, 
quish  farther  prosecution  of  the  war.  "Washington 
was  very  busy  in  opposing  the  progress  of  this  danger- 
ous delusion.  In  his  correspondence  with  members 
of  Congress,  and  influential  men  throughout  the  state, 
he  represented  the  fallacy  of  this  opinion,  and  the 
impolicy  *of  indulging  it.  He  was  anx'ous  that  early 
and  vigorous  measures  should  be  taken  for  the  next 
campaign.  Yet  it  was  not  till  the  twenty  -third  of  Janu- 
ary, 1779,  that  Congress  passed  resolutions  for  re- 
enlisting  the  army  ;  and  not  till  the  ninth  of  March, 
that  the  States  were  called  upon  to  furnish  their  pro- 
portion of  the  general  forces. 

19.  The  British  government  had,  from  the  first, 
entertained  the  most  certain  expectation  of  conquest. 
The  loss  of  the  army  under  General  Burgoyne,  the 
alliance  with  France,  and  the  firmness  with  which  the 
Americans  maintained  the  contest,  had  now  diminished 
their  early  confidence.  They  determined  to  change 
the  scene  of  their   operations.      Keeping   possesion 

Consequences  ?  18.  What  of  the  alliance  with  France  ? 
Representation  s  of  Wa  .hingti  n  ?  What  took  place  in  1779.' 
10.   British  jrovermneiil  ;     Tlieii   procfM   lin<rs  ? 


?2  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

of  the  islands  about  the  Hudson,  their  arras  were  to  be 
directed  particularly  against  the  Southern  states.  The 
most  active  measures  of  the  ensuing  compaigns  took 
place  accordingly  in  that  part  of  the  country. 


CHAPTER     VIII. 

Trouble  in  the  Jersey  Brigade — Letters  from  Washington — Rcph) 
—  Wretched  condition  of  the  army — Expedition  against  the 
Indians — Capture  of  Stony  Point — Paules  Hook — Assault  upon 
Savannah —  Winter  Quarters — Sufferings  of  the  soldiers. 

1.  The  paper  money,  which  had  been  issued  by 
government  to  support  the  expenses  of  the  war,  had 
been  rapidly  decreasing  in  value.  It  depreciated  so 
much,  that  the  nominal  pay  of  an  officer  was  insuffi- 
cient to  discharge  his  expenses.  This  occasioned  in 
the  army  a  great  deal  of  difficulty  and  discontent.  In 
the  month  of  May,  the  Jersey  brigade,  that  had  been 
stationed  at  Elizabethtown,  was  ordered  to  march  by 
regiments  to  join  the  western  army.  In  answer  to  this 
order,  a  letter  was  received  from  General  Maxwell, 
stating  that  the  officers  of  the  first  regiment  had  de- 
termined to  resign  their  commission,  unless  the  legis- 
lature of  the  state  should  give  immediate  attention  to 
their  complaints  on  the  subject  of  pay  and  support. 


).  What,  of  paper  money  ?     Jersey  Brigade  i 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  "3 

2.  General  Washington  knew  the  sufferings  to  which 
the  army  were  exposed,  and  the  virtue  and  firmness 
with  which  they  had  borne  up  under  them.  He  knew 
the  truth  and  justice  of  the  complaints  now  made  by 
the  Jersey  regiment;  but  immediately  saw  the  evils 
that  would  result  from  the  measures  they  had  adopted. 
Relying  on  their  patriotism  and  personal  attachment 
to  himself,  he  immediately  wrote  to  General  Maxwell 
a  letter  to  be  communicated  to  the  officers. 

3.  In  this  address,  he  adopted  the  language  of  a 
friend  as  well  as  of  an  officer.  He  acknowledged  the 
inconvenience  and  distress  to  which  the  army  were 
exposed ;  and  expressed  the  hope  that  they  had  done 
him  the  justice  to  believe,  that  he  had  been  incessant 
in  endeavors  to  procure  them  relief.  The  limited 
resources  of  the  government  were  mentioned,  and  their 
embarrassment  in  procuring  money.  He  then  alluded 
to  the  progress  of  the  cause,  the  probability  of  soon 
attaining  the  object  of  their  struggles,  and  the  mean- 
ness of  a  shameful  desertion,  and  forgetfulness  of  what 
was  due  to  their  country. 

4.  "Did  I  suppose  it  possible,"  he  observed,  "this 
could  be  the  case,  even  in  a  single  regiment  of  the 
army,  I  should  be  mortified  and  chagrined  beyond 
expression.  I  should  feel  it  as  a  wound  given  to  my 
own  honor,  which  I  consider  as  embarked  with  that 
of  the  army  at  large.  But  this  I  believe  to  be  impossi- 
ble.    Any  corps  that  was   about   to  set  an  example 

2.  Washington  ?  3.  What  language  did  he  use  to  the  offi 
cers  in  his  letter  ?     4.  Repeat  part  of  the  letter. 


~4  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

of  the  kind,  would  weigh  well  the  consequences ;  and 
no  officer  of  common  discernment  and  sensibility 
would  hazard  them.  If  they  should  stand  alone  in  it, 
independent  of  other  consequences,  what  would  be 
their  feelings,  on  reflecting  that  they  had  held  them- 
selves out  to  the  world  in  a  point  of  light  inferior  to 
the  rest  of  the  army.  Or  if  their  example  should  be 
followed,  and  become  general,  how  could  they  console 
themselves  for  having  been  the  foremost  in  bringing 
ruin  and  disgrace  upon  their  country.  They  would 
remember,  that  the  army  would  share  a  double  portion 
of  the  general  infamy  and  distress,  and  that  the  char- 
acter of  an  American  officer  would  become  as  despic- 
able, as  it  is  now  glorious." 

5.  The  officers  did  not  expressly  recede  from  their 
claims,  but  they  were  prevailed  upon  by  the  representa- 
tions of  the  letter  to  continue  in  service.  In  an  address 
to  General  Washington,  they  expressed  regret  that  any 
act  of  theirs  should  have  given  him  pain,  and  proceed- 
ed to  justify  the  measures  they  had  taken.  They 
stated  that  their  repeated  memorials  to  the  legislature 
had  been  neglected,  and  that  they  had  lost  all  confi- 
dence in  that  body. 

6.  "Few  of  us,"  they  said  "have  private  fortunes  ; 
many  have  families  who  already  are  suffering  every 
thing  that  can  be  received  from  an  ungrateful  country. 
Are  we  then  to  suffer  all  the  inconveniences,  fatigues 
and  dangers  of  a  military  life,  while  our  wives  and  our 
children  are  perishing  for  want  of  common  necessaries 

5.  What  of  the  officers  ?     6.  Their  reply  ? 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  75 

at  home ;  and  that  without  the  most  distant  prospect 
of  reward,  for  our  pay  is  now  only  nominal  ?  We  are 
sensible  that  your  excellency  cannot  wish  nor  desire 
this  from  us." 

7.  Washington  took  no  farther  notice  of  this  reply, 
than  to  declare  to  the  officers  through  General  Max- 
well, that  while  they  continued  to  do  their  duty,  he 
should  only  regret  the  part  they  had  taken,  and  should 
hope  they  would  perceive  its  impropriety.  The  legis- 
lature of  New  Jersey  were  alarmed,  and  at  length 
induced  to  take  some  notice  of  their  situation.  The 
remonstrance  was  withdrawn,  and  the  officers  continu- 
ed to  perform  their  duty  as  usual. 

8.  This  occasion  was  a  favorable  one,  for  the  com- 
mander in  chief,  to  urge  upon  congress  the  necessity 
of  making  suitable  provision  for  the  officers  of  the 
army.  The  members  of  this  body  differed  in  opinions 
in  respect  to  the  proper  military  arrangments.  Many 
opposed  enlistments  for  a  long  period,  in  order  to  avoid 
all  danger  of  establishing  a  permament  military  body. 
Others  agreed  with  Washington,  in  his  views  of  the 
absolute  necessity  of  raising  a  well  equipped  and 
amply  supported  national  army. 

9.  The  army  during  this  time  was  miserably  provid- 
ed with  food  and  clothing.  It  did  not  exceed  thirteen 
thousand  in  number,  while  the  British,  strongly  fortified 
in  New  York  and  Rhode  Island,  amounted  to  sixteen 


7.  What  notice  did  Washington  take  of  the  reply?  8.  What 
did  he  urge  upon  Congress  ?  Different  opinions  ?  9.  Suf- 
fering of  the  army  ?     Numbers  ?     What  of  the  British  ? 


76  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON 

or  seventeen  thousand.  It  was  of  course  entire!)' 
impracticable  for  the  Americans  to  dislodge  them  from 
these  strong  positions.  They  were  secured  by  their 
fortifications  and  their  shipping  from  a  successful 
attack.  The  American  army  was  obliged  consequently 
to  act  upon  the  defensive;  and  limit  its  operations 
to  securing  the  passes  of  the  North  river,  and  protect- 
ing the  country,  as  far  as  was  consistent  with  that 
important  object. 

10.  One  of  the  principal  expeditions,  undertaken 
during  this  campaign  was  directed  against  the  nearest 
hostile  tribes  of  the  Six  Nations  of  Indians.  These 
tribes  had  committed  great  outrages  upon  the  white 
people  in  their  neighborhood;  burning  villages,  and 
murdering  their  inhabitants.  It  was  necessary  to  take 
very  severe  measures  against  them.  The  commander 
in  chief  marked  out  the  best  method  of  conducting 
the  invasion.  According  to  his  instructions  General 
Sullivan  penetrated  into  the  Indian  country,  in  three 
directions,  destroying  their  crops  and  laying  waste 
their  towns.  This  severity  secured  the  future  peace 
of  the  frontier  settlements. 

11.  Early  in  the  year,  Sir  Henry  Clinton  had  made 
some  movements  up  the  North  river,  which  indicated 
an  intention  to  attack  the  posts  in  the  Highlands. 
Washington  united  all  his  forces  for  their  defence. 
To  allure  him  from  these  fortresses,  the  British  com- 
mander sent  detachments  to  ravage  the  towns  on  the 

American  army  ?  10.  What  of  the  Six  Nations  ?  Expedition 
against  them  ?     Consequences  ?     11.  Movements  of  Clinton  * 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  77 

coast  )f  Connecticut.  While  these  devastations  were 
going  on,  Washington  planned  an  expedition  against 
Stony  Point.  This  was  a  strong  position  upon  the 
Hudson,  which  had  been  garrisoned  by  the  enemy 
with  about  six  hundred  men.  The  enterprize  was 
committed  to  General  Wayne,  and  proved  completely 
successful. 

12.  This  fortunate  event  was  soon  followed  by  the 
surprise  of  the  British  garrison  at  Paules  Hook.  An 
expedition  against  this  post  was  first  projected  by  Major 
Henry  Lee.  It  was  concluded  on  the  eighteenth 
of  August.  The  fort  was  taken  at  about  three  o'clock 
in  the  morning,  by  three  hundred  Americans.  With 
the  loss  of  two  killed  and  three  wounded,  they  entered 
the  works,  and  carried  away  one  hundred  and  fifty-nine 
prisoners. 

13.  It  was  thought  best  to  avoid  all  dangerous 
movements,  from  the  expected  arrival  of  a  French 
fleet  in  the  course  of  the  year.  This  fleet  under 
Count  D'  Estaing  reached  the  vicinity  of  Georgia, 
with  a  body  of  troops,  and  besieged  the  city  of  Savan- 
nah. The  commander  of  the  American  army  in  the 
southern  colonies,  General  Lincoln,  combined  his  forces 
with  those  of  the  French  leader,  and  formed  the  reso- 
lution of  taking  this  post  by  assault.  The  united  forces 
were  led  to  the  lines  of  the  enemy  with  great  valor 
and  firmness,  but  after  standing  a  very  severe  fire  for 
about  an  hour,  they  were  repulsed  with  loss. 


Stony  Point  ?     General  Wayne  ?     12.    Paule',  Hook  ?     De- 
:ribe  Lie  capture  of  die  garrison.     13.  Attempt  on  Savannah? 


78  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

14.  The  campaign  terminated  in  the  northern  states 
without  any  decisive  efforts  on  either  side.  The  Brit- 
ish attempts  upon  the  posts  in  the  Highlands  had  been 
defeated.  The  Indians  had  been  reduced  to  peace. 
Winter  quarters  for  the  American  army  were  chosen 
at  Morristown.  On  their  march  to  this  place,  and 
after  their  arrival,  they  suffered  exceedingly.  The 
snow  was  two  feet  deep,  and  the  soldiers  were  destitute 
both  of  tents  and  blankets,  some  of  them  barefooted 
and  almost  naked.  At  night  their  only  defence  against 
the  weather  was  in  piles  of  brushwood. 

15.  After  reaching  the  place  that  had  been  chosen 
for  winter  quarters,  they  found  it  very  difficult  to  pitch 
their  tents  in  the  frozen  ground.  They  built  up  large 
fires,  but  could  hardly  keep  from  freezing.  Besides 
the  sufferings  from  cold,  they  were  without  necessary 
food.  For  seven  or  eight  days  together  they  had  no 
other  provision  than  miserable  fresh  beef,  without  bread, 
salt  or  vegetables. 

16.  The  weather  in  January  1780,  was  remarkably 
cold  and  severe.  On  the  third  of  the  month,  there 
was  a  most  violent  snow  storm.  Several  of  the  mar- 
quees were  blown  down  over  the  officers'  heads,  and 
some  of  the  soldiers  were  actually  buried  under  the 
snow  in  their  tents.  The  officers  of  the  army  had  a 
sufficient  supply  of  straw,  ovei  which  they  could  spread 
their  blankets,  and  with  their  clothes  and  large  fires, 
keep  themselves  from  extreme  suffering.     But  the  poor 

14.  What  of  the  northern  campaign  ?  Sufferings  at  Morns- 
town?     16.  What  of  January  1780? 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  ~lJ 

common  soldiers,  on  duty,  during  all  the  violence 
of  the  storm,  and  at  night  with  but  a  single  blanket, 
were  exposed  to  great  distress.  They  were  so  enfee- 
bled from  cold  and  hunger  as  to  be  almost  unable  to 
labor  in  the  erection  of  their  log  huts. 

17.  Complaints  were  sometimes  made  by  the  farmers 
in  the  neighborhood  that  their  pigs  and  poultry  were 
stolen  by  the  soldiers.  Severe  measures  were  resorted 
to,  in  order  to  put  a  stop  to  these  practises.  Death 
was  sometimes  inflicted  in  cases  of  atrocious  robbery, 
but  the  usual  punishment  was  public  whipping.  This 
course  was  adopted  by  Washington  to  preserve  a  ne- 
cessary discipline,  though  he  deeply  sympathized  with 
the  sufferings  of  the  soldiers,  and  was  sensible  of  the 
heroic  firmness  and  patience  with  which  they  submit- 
ted to  them. 


CHAPTER    IX, 

Expedition  to  Statcn  Island — Review  of  four  battalions — Parade 
of  the  whole  army — Death  of  Miralles — Situation  of  the  officers. 
— Loss  of  Charleston — Lafayette — French  armament — Designs 
on  New  York — Indian,  Chiefs  review  the  army. 

1 .  Notwithstanding  the  situation  of  his  army,  Gen- 
eral Washington  was  active  in  seeking  opportunities 
for  a  favorable  attack.     An  expedition  was  accordingly 

Condition  of  the  army?  17.  Complaints  of  the  farmers? 
Punishment  of  theft  ?  Washington  ?  1.  Expedition  against 
Staten  Island  ? 


80  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

planned  against  the  British  works  on  Staten  Island. 
A  detachment  of  twenty-five  hundred  men  was  des 
patched  on  this  service  under  Lord  Stirling.  They 
went  in  about  five  hundred  sleighs,  and  expected  to 
take  the  enemy  by  surprise. 

2.  The  party  passed  over  from  Elizabethtown,  at 
night,  on  the  ice.  The  British  troops,  however,  had 
received  intelligence  of  their  design,  and  withdrawn 
into  their  fortifications.  All  the  benefit  of  the  expedi- 
tion was  in  obtaining  a  quantity  of  blankets  and  mili- 
tary stores,  with  a  few  casks  of  wine  and  spirits. 
The  snow  was  three  or  four  feet  deep,  and  the  troops 
remained  on  the  island  twenty-four  hours  without 
covering.  About  five  hundred  of  them  were  slightly 
frozen,  and  six  were  killed;  the  retreat  was  effected 
with  no  other  loss. 

3.  The  soldiers  in  winter  quarters  were  obliged  to 
continue  in  their  tents  till  about  the  middle  of  Febru- 
ary. They  had  then  completed  their  huts.  A  large 
body  of  snow  remained  upon  the  ground  all  winter; 
while  the  same  deficiency  of  food  and  clothing  distress- 
ed the  army. 

4.  Towards  the  latter  part  of  April,  General  Wash- 
ington arrived  at  Morristown  from  Philadelphia,  with 
the  French  minister,  and  Juan  de  Miralles,  a  gentle- 
man of  distinction  from  Spain.  They  were  met  at  a 
distance  from  the  camp,  and  escorted  with  the  usual 

2.  Benefits  derived  ? 
Describe  the  arrival  of  Washington  at  Morristown,  with  Ihe 
French  minister,  and  Juan  de  Miralles  ? 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  81 

military  honors  to  head  quarters.  These  gentlemen 
with  their  aids  and  attendants,  with  the  commandci 
\n  chief  and  general  officers  of  the  American  army, 
were  all  mounted  on  elegant  horses  and  presented  a 
very  beautiful  appearance.  Preparations  were  made 
for  a  grand  parade  of  the  army,  while  General  Wash- 
ington with  his  visitors  went  to  take  a  distant  view 
of  the  British  posts  on  York  and  Staten  Island. 

5.  On  the  twenty-fourth  of  the  month,  four  battal- 
ions of  the  army  were  reviewed  by  the  French  minister 
and  the  general  officers.  A  large  stage  was  erected 
in  the  field,  which  was  crowded  with  officers,  and 
gentlemen  and  ladies  from  the  adjacent  towns.  The 
troops  exhibited  a  very  military  appearance,  and  per- 
formed the  various  manoeuvres  and  evolutions  with 
great  skill.  The  French  minister  was  highly  satisfied 
and  pleased.  In  the  evening,  General  Washington 
with  his  visitors  attended  a  ball  given  by  the  principal 
officers.  An  exhibition  of  fire-works  concluded  the 
entertainment. 

6.  On  the  next  day  the  whole  army  was  paraded 
under  arms,  and  again  reviewed  by  the  French  minis- 
ter. This  gentleman  was  then  escorted  part  of  the 
way  to  Philadelphia.  On  the  twenty-ninth  of  the 
month,  Don  Juan  de  Miralles  died  at  head-quarters. 
He  was  of  high  rank,  and  had  been  resident  in  America 
with  the  congress  about  a  year.  General  Washington 
with  several  officers,  and  members  of  Congress  attend- 

5.  Review  of  the  army  ?  C.  A  second  review  ?  Death  of 
Don  Juan  de  Miralles  f     Funeral  ceremonies  ? 


82  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

ed  the  funeral  as  chief  mourners.  The  corpse  was 
richly  dressed,  and  the  coffin  covered  with  black  velvet, 
and  superbly  ornamented.  The  funeral  procession 
extended  about  a  mile,  and  the  coffin  was  borne  upon 
the  shoulders  of  four  artillery  officers  in  full  uniform. 
Minute  guns  were  fired,  and  the  Roman  Catholic 
service  was  performed  at  the  grave.  The  coffin  was 
deposited  in  the  burying  ground  at  Morristown. 

7.  The  officers  of  the  American  army  had  been  for 
some  time  dissatisfied  with  their  situation.  They  had 
been  exposed  to  great  distress,  and  had  made  great 
sacrifices,  for  small  wages,  paid  with  no  punctuality. 
The  paper  money  had  diminished  so  much  in  value, 
that  it  was  difficult  to  procure  supplies  with  it,  even  at 
its  reduced  value.  Forty  dollars  in  these  bills  were 
worth  less  than  one  dollar  in  silver.  A  number  of 
officers  were  compelled  by  necessity  to  give  up  their 
commissions.  General  Washington  was  unwearied 
in  his  efforts  to  procure  from  Congress  a  more  gener- 
ous provision  for  them,  and  at  length  succeeded. 

8.  In  the  latter  part  of  May,  four  battalions  were 
reviewed  by  the  committee  of  Congress,  in  the  pre- 
sence of  the  commander  in  chief.  The  soldiers  were 
again  suffering  from  want  of  provisions,  their  pa- 
tience was  exhausted,  and  their  spirits  were  broken. 
They  became  dissatisfied,  and  began  to  lose  their 
first  ardent  attachment  to  the  cause.  Their  confidence 
in  Washington,  however,  and  their  devoted  love  for 
him,  were  never  diminished.     Two  regiments  of  the 

7.  American  affairs  ?  Efforts  and  success  of  Washington  ? 
P.   Suffering's  of  the  soldiers  ?     Affection  of  Washington  ? 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  8'3 

Connecticut    line   revolted,    but    their    leaders    were 
secured,  and  they  returned  to  their  duty. 

9.  General  Washington  now  received  intelligence 
of  the  loss  of  Charleston,  and  the  surrender  of  that 
detachment  of  the  southern  army,  under  Gen.  Lincoln. 
This  force  amounted  to  between  two  and  three  thou- 
sand men,  which  had  been  posted  for  the  defence 
of  this  important  town.  General  Clinton  besieged 
the  place  with  a  powerful  fleet,  and  an  army  of  thir- 
teen thousand  men.  The  defence  was  very  judiciously 
managed,  but  in  the  end,  it  was  necessary  to  surrender 
the  town  and  garrison  by  capitulation. 

10.  Soon  after  this  surrender  of  the  southern  army, 
the  commanding  officer  of  the  enemy  in  New  York, 
thought  to  take  advantage  of  the  discontent  and  dis- 
tress prevailing  among  the  northern  troops.  General 
Knyphausen  crossed  over  from  Staten  Island  with 
about  five  thousand  men.  Orders  were  immediately 
given  in  the  American  camps,  to  be  in  readiness  to 
march  at  a  moments  notice.  The  enemy  advanced 
to  Springfield,  and  set  fire  to  the  village ;  burning  the 
church,  and  twenty  or  thirty  dwelling  houses.  They 
then  made  a  rapid  retreat  to  Staten  Island.  The 
object  of  this  expedition  was  supposed  to  have  been 
the  destruction  of  the  stores  at  Morristown. 

11.  Late  in  April,  the  Marquis  de  Lafayette  had 
arrived  at  Boston  in  a  royal  frigate,  and  immediately 
hastened  to  head-quarters.     He   brought  intelligence 


0.  Loss  of  Charleston  ?     10.    Burning  of  Springfield  ?     11. 
Lafayette  ? 


84  L1FL  OF  WASHINGTON. 

that  the  French  king  had  determined  to  send  a  large 
fleet  and  army  to  the  assistance  of  the  Americans. 
This  news  was  received  with  great  joy,  and  gave  a 
fresh  impulse  to  the  state  legislatures  and  to  Congress. 
On  the  fourteenth  of  July,  information  was  received 
at  head-quarters  of  the  arrival  of  the  French  arma- 
ment at  Newport  in  Rhode  Island.  The  commander 
in  chief  soon  comunicated  this  pleasing  intelligence 
to  the  army,  and  recommended  to  the  officers  to  blend 
with  their  black  cockades,  a  relief  of  white,  as  a 
symbol  of  friendship  for  their  allies,  who  wore  cock- 
ades of  that  color. 

12.  Thb  season  was  so  far  advanced,  that  Wash- 
ington, wiihout  knowing  the  number  of  American 
troops  that  would  finally  be  levied,  despatched  definite 
proposals  to  the  Fiench  commanders  for  the  siege 
of  New  York.  Orders  were  given  for  the  army  to  be 
in  readiness  to  march  at  a  moment's  notice.  Two 
brigades  were  selected  from  the  different  regiments, 
to  be  put  under  the  command  of  Lafayette. 

13.  The  army  was  ordered  to  send  all  its  baggage, 
with  the  women  and  children  to  West  Point.  Pro- 
visions, for  two  days  in  advance,  were  to  be  cooked 
for  the  soldiers,  who  were  to  be  always  prepared  to 
start.  The  horses  in  the  baggage  wagons  were  kept, 
in  harness.  The  order  and  regularity  of  the  troops 
were  such,  that  the  whole  army,  extended  over  several 


French  fleet ?     Joy  in  the  army  ?     12.  Orders  of  Washington  ? 
13.  Preparation  for  the  seige  of  New  York  ? 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  85 

inilesJ  could  be  put  in  motion,  and  take  up  the  line 
of  march  in  less  than  an  hour.  The  fifth  of  August 
was  fixed  upon  as  the  day,  when  the  united  armies 
were  to  commence  operations. 

14.  Sir  Henry  Clinton  who  had  returned  the  pre- 
ceding month  with  his  victorious  troops  from  Charles- 
ton, had  embarked  about  eight  thousand  men  with  the 
apparent  intention  of  attacking  the  French  force  at 
Rhode  Island.  Washington  had  put  his  army  in 
motion,  and  crossed  the  Hudson,  to  besiege  New 
York  during  his  absence.  The  enemy  were  alarmed 
at  the  danger  of  this  city,  and  returned  to  defend  it. 
The  American  army  re-crossed  •  the  Hudson  to  the 
Jersey  shore.  This  passage  was  made  in  boats  and 
floats,  and  occupied  three  days  and  nights. 

15.  The  designs  on  New  York  were  only  suspended, 
not  entirely  abandoned.  General  Washington  had  a 
personal  interview  on  this  subject,  with  the  French 
commander  at  Hartford.  But  the  arrival  of  Admiral 
Rodney,  with  eleven  ships  of  the  line,  upon  the 
American  coast,  disarranged  the  plans  of  the  allies. 
No  expedition  of  the  kind  could  be  undertaken  during 
the  present  campaign. 

16.  On  the  thirteenth  of  September,  the  army  was 
p.iraded  for  review.  General  Washington,  mounted 
on  his  noble  bay  horse,  rode  in  front  of  the  army  and 
received  the  usual  salute.     He  was  accompanied  by 

14.  Sir  Hemy  Clinton  ?  Movements  of  the  British  and 
Americans?    15   Admiral  Rodney  ?    16.  Review  of  the  army  5 

8 


86  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON 


Washington  and  the  Indian  Chiefs 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  87 

six  Indian  chiefs,  on  whom  he  thought  it  prudent  to 
impress  an  idea  of  the  strength  of  the  troops.  These 
chiefs  are  described  by  Dr.  Thacher,  who  was  a  sur- 
geon in  the  revolutionary  army,  as  the  most  disgusting 
and  contemptible  of  the  human  race. 

17.  Their  faces  were  painted  with  various  colors, 
and  their  hair  twisted  and  knotted  on  the  top  of  their 
heads.  They  were  dressed  in  wretched  Indian  gar- 
ments, some  with  a  dirty  blanket,  and  others  most 
naked.  Their-  horses  were  miserable  animals,  with 
undressed  sheep-skins  for  saddles,  and  old  ropes  for 
bridles".  Rum  was  eagerly  sought  after  by  these  chiefs, 
and  some  of  them  became  so  intoxicated  that  they 
could  not  sit  upon  their  horses. 


CHAPTER    X. 

TJie  Story  of  the  Treachery  of  Arnold, 

1.  West  Point  is  a  very  strong  post  situated  among 
the  Highlands,  on  the  west  side  of  the  Hudson,  sixty 
miles  above  New  York.  It  was  considered,  at  this 
period,  as  the  most  important  station  in  the  United 
States.  The  position  of  it  is  admirably  adapted  for 
defence,  being  on  a  bend  of  the  river,  with  high  rocks 
rising  one  above  another,  whose  summits  are  crowned 
with  cannon. 

Indian  chiefs  ?  17.  Describe  them.  1.  Where  is  West  Point  ? 
What  of  it' 


SO  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

2.  The  most  formidable  fortress  was  built  on  a 
natural  platform  of  rock,  surrounded  on  all  sides  by 
steep  ridges.  It  is  called  "  Fort  Putnam,"  from  the 
brave  general  who  was  the  principal  agent  in  planning 
and  constructing  it. 

3.  The  natural  strength  of  West  Point  was  so  great, 
that  when  properly  guarded,  the  fortress  was  secure 
against  an  enemy  of  almost  any  force.  No  position 
in  America  could  afford  the  British  greater  advan- 
tages, if  they  could  only  once  obtain  possession  of  it. 
It  commanded  the  whole  extent  of  country  on  the 
Hudson,  and  secured  a  communication  between  the 
eastern  and  southern  states. 

4.  This  important  fortress  has  been  connected  with 
the  blackest  act  of  treachery  that  disgraces  the  history 
of  any  period.     This  was  the  conspiracy  of  Arnold. 

5.  Benedict  Arnold  had  been  regarded  from  the 
commencement  of  the  American  war,  as  a  brave  and 
patriotic  officer.  He  had  fought  in  several  battles, 
with  great  valor  and  gallantry,  and  acquired  the  en- 
tire confidence  of  his  countrymen.  His  services  had 
been  rewarded  by  promotion  to  the  rank  of  major- 
general. 

6.  At  his  own  request  and  solicitation,  he  was  en- 
trusted with  the  command  of  West  Point.  Partly 
from  motives  of  avarice,  and  partly  from  feelings  of 

2.  What  of  Fort  Putnam  ?  3.  What  were  the  advantages 
of  the  fortress  ?  4.  What  circumstance  is  connected  with  it,  ? 
5.  Benedict  Arnold  ?  6.  With  what  command  was  he  en 
trusted  ?     By  what  motives  was  he  actuated  ? 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  89 

revenge,  for  some  public  censures  he  had  received 
from  the  government,  he  determined  to  deliver  this 
post  intc  the  hands  of  the  enemy.  He  entered  into  a 
secret  correspondence  with  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  and  ac- 
tually agreed  to  put  him  in  possession  of  the  garrison. 

7.  The  British  general  readily  consented  to  the 
treachery,  and  selected  Major  John  Andre,  his  adju- 
tant general  and  aid-de-camp,  to  have  a  personal  in- 
terview with  Arnold,  and  arrange  the  plan  for  the 
surrender  of  the  post. 

8.  A  British  sloop  of  war,  called  the  Vulture,  sailed 
up  the  North  river,  and  anchored  about  twelve  miles 
below  West  Point.  On  board  of  this  vessel  was  Major 
Andre,  under  the  assumed  name  of  John  Anderson. 
The  parties  could  now  communicate  with  each  other, 
without  exciting  suspicions  of  any  treasonable  designs. 
But  a  personal  interview  became  at  length  necessary. 
The  place  chosen  for  this  purpose  was  the  beach,  near 
the  house  of  Mr.  Joshua  Smith,  who  had  long  been 
suspected  of  favoring  the  British  cause. 

9.  Arnold  now  sent  a  boat  to  bring  Andre  on  shore. 
This  was  unexpected  to  the  British  officer,  but  he  was 
unwilling  that  the  enterprize  should  fail,  through  any 
fault  upon  his  part.  Putting  on  a  grey  surtout,  to 
hide  his  uniform,  he  accompanied  the  messenger  of 
Arnold  to  the  shore. 


7.  Who  was  selected  to  arrange  the  plan  with  Arnold  ?  8. 
How  did  they  communicate  with  each  other?  What  place 
was  chosen  for  a  personal  interview  ?  9.  How  did  Andre  get 
on  shore  ? 


90  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

10.  After  conversing  some  time  at  the  water's  edge, 
they  went  to  the  house  of  Smith  for  greater  security. 
Andre  remained  concealed  here  till  the  following 
night,  when  h*e  became  anxious  to  return  on  board 
the  Vulture.  He  went  alone  to  the  beach,  where  he 
expected  to  find  a  boat  to  convey  him  to  this  vessel. 

11.  During  his  visit  to  the  shore,  however,  the  Vul- 
ture had  been  driven  from  her  station,  and  had  remov- 
ed some  miles  farther  down  the  river.  When  Andre 
proposed  to  the  boatmen  to  carry  him  back  to  the 
vessel,  they  told  him  that  it  was  too  far,  and  refus- 
ed to  go. 

12.  It  was  impossible  to  procure  a  boat  and  men 
for  the  purpose,  and  it  was  resolved  that  Andre  should 
return  to  New  York  by  land.  For  this  dangerous 
attempt,  he  laid  aside  his  uniform  altogether,  and  put 
on  another  dress.  Arnold  furnished  him  with  a  horse, 
and  accompanied  by  Smith  he  set  out  upon  his  journey. 
Each  of  them  had  a  passport  from  Arnold — "to  go 
to  the  lines  on  White  Plains,  or  lower  if  the  bearer 
thought  proper  ;  he  being  on  public  business." 

13.  By  means  of  these  passports  they  got  beyond 
all  the  American  out-posts  and  guards,  without  being 
suspected.  They  lodged  together  on  the  night  of  their 
departure  at  Crompond.  They  arrived  without  inter- 
ruption a  little  beyond  Pine's  Bridge,  a  village  situated 

10.  What  then  took  place  ?  11.  What  had  happened  to  the 
Vulture  ?  What  of  the  boat-men  ?  12.  What  was  resolved 
upon  ?  What  of  the  passport  ?  13.  Plow  were  they  of  ad- 
vantage ?     Relate  their  progress  as  far  as  the  lines. 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  91 

on  the  Croton.  They  had  not  yet  crossed  the  lines, 
though  they  were  in  sight  of  the  ground  occupied  by 
the  British  troops. 

14.  Smith  here  looked  round,  and  seeing  no  one, 
and  no  sign  of  danger,  he  said  to  Andre  —  "You  are 
safe — good  by,"  and  retook  the  road  by  which  they 
had  come.  Andre  put  spurs  to  his  horse,  and  suppos- 
ing himself  out  of  danger,  rode  forward  at  full  speed 
to  deliver  the  favorable  result  of  his  mission. 

15.  He  had  proceeded  about  a  dozen  miles  with 
the  same  good  fortune.  He  was  about  entering  Tarry 
town,  the  border  village  that  separated  him  from  the 
royal  army,  when  a  man  sprung  suddenly  from  a 
thicket  and  exclaimed  "where  are  you  bound?"  This 
man  was  armed  with  a  gun,  and  was  immediately 
joined  by  two  armed  companions. 

16.  They  were  not  in  uniform,  and  Andre  sup- 
posed at  once  they  must  be  of  his  own  party.  Instead 
of  producing  his  passport,  he  asked  them  in  his  turn 
where  they  belonged.  They  replied,  "to  below," 
alluding  to  New  York.  "And  so  do  I,"  said  Andre, 
"  I  am  a  British  officer,  on  urgent  business,  and  must 
not  be  detained."  "You  belong  to  our  enemies," 
was  the  reply,  "and  we  arrest  you." 

17.  Andre  was  surprised  at  this  unexpected  lan- 
guage and  produced  his  passport.  This  paper  however, 
notwithstanding  the  signature  of  Arnold,  was  of  no 
avail,  and  he  was  obliged  to  surrender  himself  prison- 

14.  What  of  Andre  after  Smith's  departure  ?  15.  Relate 
the  adventure  with  the  men 


92  Ul'jfc;  OF  WASHINGTON. 

er.  He  offered  his  captors  gold,  his  horse,  his  watch, 
and  any  amount  of  goods  that  they  might  name,  if 
they  would  allow  him  to  pass  to  New  York.  All  his 
jffers  were  rejected  with  disdain. 

18.  The  names  of  the  faithful  soldiers  who  arrested 
Andre,  were  John  Paulding,  David  Williams,  and 
Isaac  Van  Vert.  On  examining  their  prisoner,  they 
found  in  his  boots  the  important  papers  that  gave 
minute  accounts  of  the  condition  of  West  Point,  with  its 
forces  and  defences,  all  in  the  hand-writing  of  General 
Arnold. 

19.  The  captors  immediately  deliver  their  prisoner 
with  the  papers  found  on  him,  into  the  hands  of 
Colonel  Jameson,  who  commanded  the  American  out- 
posts. When  questioned  by  that  officer,  he  still  called 
himself  Anderson,  the  man  named  in  the  passport, 
and  behaved  with  great  coolness  and  composure. 

20.  In  order  to  inform  Arnold  of  his  arrest  that  he 
might  have  time  to  escape,  he  prevailed  upon  Colonel 
Jameson  to  write  a  letter  to  the  commanding  officer 
of  West  Point,  telling  him  that  Anderson,  the  bearer  of 
his  passport,  had  been  detained.  After  sufficient  time 
had  elapsed  for  the  traitor  to  make  his  escape,  Major 
Andre  declared  himself  to  be  the  adjutant  general  of 
the  British  army. 


18.  What  were  the  names  of  the  soldiers  who  arrested  An- 
dre ?  What  was  found  on  Andre's  person  ?  19.  Into  whose 
hands  was  the  prisoner  delivered  ?  His  behaviour.  20.  How 
was  Arnold  informed  of  the  arrest  of  Major  Andre  ? 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  93 

21.  Arnold  was  busy  with  his  arrangements  for  the 
reception  of  the  enemy,  when  he  received  the  letter 
from  Jameson.  Those  who  were  present  at  the  time, 
afterwards  recollected  that  he  was  very  much  dismay- 
ed and  agitated.  Recovering  himself  quickly,  he  said 
in  a  loud  voice  that  he  would  write  an  answer,  and 
withdrew  to  reflect  upon  the  course  which  it  was  best 
for  him  to  pursue. 

22.  The  entrance  of  two  American  officers  inter- 
rupted his  reflections.  They  were  sent  by  the  com- 
mander in  chief,  and  informed  Arnold  that  he  had 
arrived  within  a  few  leagues  of  West  Point,  and  was  to 
have  set  out  a  few  hours  after  them,  to  complete  his 
journey.  He  had  been  on  important  business  to 
Hartford,  and,  by  a  mistake  of  the  messenger  des- 
patched by  Jameson,  had  not  heard  of  the  capture  of 
Andre. 

23.  The  traitor  had  now  no  safety  but  in  immediate 
flight.  Concealing  his  emotions,  he  told  the  two 
officers  that  he  wished  to  go  and  meet  the  general 
alone,  and  begged  them  not  to  follow  him.  He  then 
entered  the  apartment  of  his  wife,  exclaiming — "All 
is  discovered  ;  Andre  is  a  prisoner  ;  the  commander  in 
chief  will  know  every  thing.  Burn  all  my  papers — I 
fly  to  New  York." 

24.  Leaving  his  wife,  without  waiting  for  a  reply, 
he  mounted  the  horse  of  one  of  the  two  officers,  and 


21.  What  of  Arnold?    22.  What  of  the  commander  in  chief? 

23.  What  did«Arrw>ld  now  do  ?     What  did  he  say  to  his  wife  • 

24.  How  did  he  escape  ? 


t>4  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON 

rushed  towards  the  Hudson.  Here  he  had  taken  care 
to  have  always  ready  a  barge  well-manned.  He  threw 
himself  into  it,  and  ordered  the  boatmen  to  make  for 
the  English  sloop  with  all  possible  despatch.  The 
barge,  bearing  a  flag  of  truce,  was  in  sight  when 
Washington  arrived. 

25.  The  officers  related  to  him  what  had  happened. 
Arnold  had  absconded.  No  one  knew  how  to  account 
for  it.  The  commander  in  chief  instantly  repaired  to 
the  fort  of  West  Point,  but  he  could  learn  nothing 
there.  He  returned  to  the  house  of  General  Arnold, 
where  the  messenger  of  Jameson  presented  himself, 
and  delivered  the  packet  with  which  he  was  charged. 

26.  Washington  seemed  for  a  few  moments  over- 
whelmed by  the  enormity  of  the  crime.  Those  who 
were  near  him  waited  silently,  but  impatiently,  for  the 
result.  He  at  length  said — "  I  thought  that  an  officer 
of  courage  and  ability,  who  had  often  shed  his  blood 
for  his  country,  was  entitled  to  confidence,  and  I  gave 
him  mine.  I  am  convinced  now,  and  for  the  rest  of 
my  life,  that  we  should  never  trust  those  who  are  want- 
ing in  probity,  whatever  abilities  they  may  possess. — 
Arnold  has  betrayed  us." 

27.  Major  Andre  was  conducted  to  West  Point,  and 
afterwards  to  head  quarters  at  Tappan.  A  court  mar- 
tial was  here  instituted,  and  this  unfortunate  officer 
was  condemned  to  death.      General  Washington  was 

24.  How  did  he  escape  ?  25.  What  did  the  commander  in  chief 
do?  Messenger  of  Jameson?  26.  What  did  Washington  say  oq 
reading  the  letter  ?         27.  What  of  Andre  ? 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  96 

now  called  upon  to  discharge  a  duty  from  which  lie 
revolted,  and  it  is  said  that  his  hand  could  hardly  com- 
mand his  pen,  when  signing  the  warrant  for  the  exe- 
cution. But  the  laws  and  usages  of  war  required  that 
Andre  should  die,  and  he  accordingly  perished  on  the 
scaffold. 


CHAPTER  XI. 

The  Story  of  Sergeant  Champe. 

1.  A  transaction  connected  with  this  sad  affair, 
known  only  to  Washington  and  a  single  confidential 
officer,  has  been  given  to  the  world  in  the  interesting 
Memoirs  of  Major  Lee  Most  of  the  story  that  follows, 
is  in  the  very  words  of  the  original  narrator. 

2.  The  treason  of  Arnold,  the  capture  of  Andre,  to- 
gether with  private  intelligence  received  from  New 
York,  induced  General  Washington  to  believe  that 
other  officers  in  his  army  were  connected  with  the  late 
conspiracy.  This  belief  gave  him  great  uneasiness. 
The  moment  he  reached  the  army,  then  encamped  at 
Tappan,  under  the  command  of  Major  General  Greene, 
he  sent  to  request  an  interview  with  Major  Lee. 

3.  This  officer  immediately  repaired  to  head  quar- 
ters, and  found  the  general  in  his  marquee  alone,  busi- 

Washington's  feelings  and  conduct  in  this  affair  1  What  became 
of  Andre  1 

1.  What  of  Major  Lee  ?  2.  What  gave  Washington  great  un- 
easiness ? 


96  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

Iy  engaged  in  writing.  As  soon  as  Lee  entered,  he 
was  requested  to  take  a  seat,  and  a  bundle  of  papers, 
lying  on  the  table,  was  given  to  him  for  perusal.  In 
these  much  information  was  detailed,  tending  to  prove 
that  Arnold  was  not  alone  in  treachery,  but  that  tho 
poison  had  spread,  and  that  a  Major  General,  whose 
name  was  not  concealed,  was  certainly  as  guilty  as  Ar- 
nold himself. 

4.  This  officer  had  enjoyed,  without  interruption,  the 
complete  confidence  of  the  commander  in  chief.  The 
only  reason  for  suspicion  rested  on  the  intelligence  de- 
rived from  papers  before  him.  Major  Lee  immediate- 
ly suggested  that  the  whole  was  a  contrivance  of  Sir 
Ilenry  Clinton,  to  destroy  the  necessary  confidence  be- 
tween the  commander  and  his  officers.  This  sugges- 
tion had  occurred  to  the  mind  of  Washington  ;  but  he 
was  still  anxious  and  distrustful. 

5.  Deeply  agitated,  as  was  plainly  shown  by  his 
tone  and  countenance,  the  general  proceeded :  "  I 
have  sent  for  you  in  the  expectation  that  you  have  in 
your  corps  individuals  capable  and  willing  to  under- 
take an  indispensable,  delicate  and  hazardous  project. 
Whoever  comes  forward  will  oblige  me  forever,  and,  in 
behalf  of  the  United  States,  I  will  reward  him  amply. 
No  time  is  to  be  lost.  My  object  is  to  probe  to  the  bot- 
tom the  afflicting  intelligence  contained  in  the  papers 
you  have  just  read  ;  to  seize  Arnold,  and,  by  getting 


3.  What  took  place  between  Washington  avA  Major  Lee  1— 
4.  What  did  Major  Lee  suggest  ?  5.  Repeat  Washington's  remarks 
to  Major  Lee. 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  0? 

him,  to  save  Andre.  They  are  all  connected.  My 
instructions  are  ready  ;  here  are  two  letters  to  be  de- 
livered as  ordered,  and  some  guineas  for  expenses." 

6.  Major  Lee  replied  that  he  had  no  doubt  his  legion 
contained  many  individuals  capable  of  the  most  daring 
enterprises.  There  were  some  feelings  of  delicacy 
that  prevented  him  from  suggesting  the  step  to  a  com- 
missioned officer,  but  he  thought  the  sergeant-major  of 
the  cavalry  in  all  respects  qualified  for  the  undertak- 
ing, and  to  him  he  would  venture  to  propose  it. 

7.  He  then  described  the  sergeant,  as  a  native  of 
Loudon  county,  in  Virginia,  about  twenty-four  years  of 
age,  rather  above  the  common  size,  full  of  bone  and 
muscle,  grave  and  inflexible.  He  had  enlisted  in  177G, 
and  was  as  likely  to  reject  a  service  coupled  with  ig- 
nominy as  any  officer  in  the  corps. 

8.  The  general  exclaimed  that  he  was  the  very 
man  for  the  business ;  that  he  must  undertake  it  ;  that 
going  to  the  enemy  at  the  request  of  his  officer  was  not 
desertion,  though  it  appeared  to  be  so.  He  enjoined 
that  this  explanation  should  be  impressed  upon  Champe, 
as  coming  from  him,  and  that  the  vast  good  in  prospect 
should  be  contrasted  with  the  mere  semblance  of  doing 
wrong.     This  he  hoped  would  remove  every  scruple 

9.  Major  Lee  assured  the  general,  that  every  (  xer- 
tion  should  be  used  on  his  part  to  execute  his  wishes, 
and,  taking  leave,  returned  to  the  camp   of  the    light 


C>.  What  reply  did  Lee  make  ?  7.  Describe  the  sergeant  that  the 
Mnjor  recommended.  8.  What  instructions  did  Washington  give  in 
respect  to  the  undet taking  '!     °.   What  did  Lee  then  do  ? 

9 


98  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

corps,  which  he  reached  about  eight  o'clock  at  night. 
He  sent  instantly  for  the  sergeant-major,  and  intro- 
duced the  subject  in  as  judicious  a  manner  as  possible. 
Dressing  out  the  enterprise  in  brilliant  colors,  he  fi- 
nally removed  all  scruples  from  the  honorable  mind 
of  Champe,  and  prevailed  on  him  to  yield  entirely  to 
his  wishes. 

10.  The  instructions  were  then  read  to  him.  He 
was  particularly  cautioned  to  be  careful  in  delivering 
his  letters,  and  urged  to  bear  constantly  in  mind  that 
Arnold  was  not  to  be  killed  under  any  circumstances, 
but  only  to  be  taken  prisoner.  Giving  the  sergeant 
three  guineas,  he  recommended  him  to  start  without 
delay,  and  enjoined  him  to  communicate  his  arrival  in 
New  York  as  soon  thereafter  as  might  be  practicable. 
Pulling  out  his  watch,  Champe  reminded  the  major 
of  the  necessity  of  holding  back  pursuit,  as  he  should 
!>e  obliged  to  go  in  a  zigzag  direction  in  order  to  avoid 
the  patroles. 

11.  It  was  now  nearly  eleven  ;  the  sergeant  returned 
to  camp,  and,  taking  his  cloak,  valise  and  orderly  book, 
drew  his  horse  from  the  picquet,  and  mounting,  com- 
mitted himself  to  fortune.  Within  half  an  hour,  Capt. 
Carnes,  the  officer  of  the  clay,  waited  on  the  major,  and 
told  him  that  one  of  the  patrol  had  fallen  in  with  a 
dragoon,  who,  on  being  challenged,  had  put  spurs  to  his 
horse,  and  escaped.     Major  Lee  contrived  various  ex- 

What  happened  between  him  and  the  sergeant  ?  10.  What  in 
structions  were  given  to  Champe  1  11.  When  did  Champe  set  out  1 
What  of  Captain  Carnes  ?  What  did  Major  Lee  then  do? 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  99 

pedients  to  delay  sending  a  party  in  pursuit  ;  but  it 
was  finally  despatched,  under  the  command  of  Cornet 
Middleton. 

12.  When  Middleton  departed,  it  was  only  a  few 
minutes  past  twelve,  so  that  Champe  had  only  the  start 
of  about  an  hour.  Lee  was  very  anxious,  not  only 
from  fear  that  Champe  might  be  injured,  but  that  the 
enterprise  might  be  delayed.  The  pursuing  party 
were  delayed  by  necessary  halts  to  examine  the  road. 
A  shower  had  fallen  soon  after  Champe's  departure, 
which  enabled  them  to  take  the  trail  of  his  horse,  as  no 
other  animal  had  passed  along  the  road  since  the  rain- 
When  the  day  broke,  Middleton  was  no  longer  obliged 
to  halt,  but  passed  on  with  great  rapidity. 

13.  As  the  pursuing  party  reached  the  top  of  a  hill 
on  the  north  of  the  village  of  Bergen,  they  descried 
Champe  not  more  than  half  a  mile  in  front.  The  ser- 
geant at  the  same  moment  discovered  them,  and  gave 
the  spurs  to  his  horse.  He  eluded  them,  just  as  they 
felt  secure  of  taking  him,  and  again  disappeared.  Pur- 
suit was  renewed,  and  Champe  was  again  descried.  He 
had  changed  his  original  intention  of  going  directly  to 
Paulus  Hook,  and  determined  to  seek  refuge  from  two 
British  galleys,  which  lay  a  few  miles  to  the  west  of 
Bergen. 

14.  As  soon  as  Champe  got  abreast  of  the  galleys, 
he  dismounted,  and  ran  through  the  marsh  to  the  riv- 
er.    He  had  previously  prepared    himself  for   swim- 

12.  When  did  Middleton  setoff?  13.  Relate  the  account  of  the 
pursuit. 


100  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 


Escape  of  Sergeant  Champe. 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  101 

ming,  by  lashing  his  valise  on  his  shoulders,  and 
throwing  away  the  scabbard  of  his  sword.  The  pur- 
suit was  so  close  and  rapid,  that  the  stop  occasioned 
by  these  preparations  for  swimming,  had  brought  Mid- 
dleton  within  two  or  three  hundred  yards.  The  ser- 
xoaiit  plunged  into  the  water,  and  called  upon  the  gal- 
/eys  for  help.  They  sent  a  boat  to  meet  him  ;  he  was 
taken  on  board,  and  conveyed  to  New  York,  with  a 
letter  from  the  captain  of  the  galley,  who  had  witness- 
ed the  whole  of  the  scene. 

15.  The  horse,  with  his  equipments,  the  sergeant's 
cloak  and  sword  scabbard,  were  taken  by  the  pursuing 
party.  About  three  o'clock  in  the  evening  they  re- 
turned, and  the  soldiers,  seeing  the  horse,  made  the  air 
resound  with  cries  that  the  scoundrel  was  killed. — 
Called  by  this  heart  rending  annunciation  from  his 
tent,  Major  Lee  began  to  reproach  himself  with  the 
blood  of  the  faithful  and  intrepid  Champe.  He  was 
relieved  by  Middleton's  information,  that  the  sergeant 
had  made  his  escape.  The  commander  in  chief  was 
sensibly  affected  by  the  perilous  adventures  of  Champe, 
and  anticipated  the  confidence  that  would  follow  the 
enemy's  knowledge  of  its  manner. 

10.  Champe  was  conducted  to  Sir  Henry  Clinton, 
who,  after  a  long  conversation,  presented  him  with  a 
couple  of  guineas,  and  recommended  him  to  call  on 
General  Arnold,  who  was  engaged  in  raising  an  Amer- 

15.  What  did  the  soldiers  exclaim  on  seeing-  the  horse  of  Champe  1 
What  of  Major  Lee  ?  Washington  ?  16.  Sir  Henry  Clinton  ?  Ar- 
nold ? 

9* 


102  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

ican  legion  in  the  service  of  his  majesty.  Arnold  ex- 
Dressed  much  satisfaction  on  hearing  from  Champethe 
manner  of  his  escape,  and  the  influence  which  he  at- 
tributed to  his  own  example,  and  concluded  his  numer- 
ous inquiries  by  assigning  him  quarters. 

17.  Champe  now  turned  his  attention  to  the  deliv- 
ery of  his  letters,  which  he  was  unable  to  effect  till  the 
next  night,  and  then  only  to  one  of  the  parties.  This 
man  received  the  sergeant  with  extreme  attention,  and 
assured  him  that  he  might  rely  on  his  prompt  assist- 
ance in  any  thing  that  could  be  prudently  undertaken. 
The  sole  object  in  which  the  aid  of  this  individual  was 
required,  was  in  regard  to  the  general  and  others  of 
the  army,  implicated  in  the  information  sent  by  him  to 
Washington.  Tins  object  he  promised  to  enter  upon 
with  zeal. 

18.  Five  days  had  elapsed  after  reaching  New  York, 
before  Champe  saw  the  confidant  to  whom  only  the  at- 
tempt against  Arnold  was  to  be  entrusted,  ^his  per- 
son entered  at  once  into  his  design,  and  promised  to 
procure  a  suitable  associate.  The  complete  innocence 
of  the  suspected  general  was  soon  established.  An- 
dre had  confessed  the  character  in  which  he  stood,  dis- 
daining to  defend  himself  by  the  shadow  of  a  false- 
hood. Pie  had  been  condemned  as  a  spy,  and  suffered 
accordingly. 

19.  Nothing  now  remained  to  be  done  by  Champe, 
but  the  seizure  and  safe  delivery  of  Arnold.     To  this 

17.  What  of  the  letters  ?  18.  Champe  and  his  confidant?  19 
What  now  remained  to  be  done  ? 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  103 

object  he  gave  his  undivided  attention,  and  Major  Lee 
received  from  him  the  complete  outlines  of  his  plan,  on 
the  nineteenth  of  October.  Ten  days  elapsed  before 
Champe  brought  his  measures  to  a  conclusion,  when 
Lee  was  presented  with  his  final  communication,  ap- 
pointing the  third  subsequent  night  for  a  party  of 
dragoons  to  meet  him  at  Hoboken,  when  he  hoped  to 
deliver  Arnold  to  the  officer. 

20.  Champe  had  been  improving  every  opportunity 
to  become  acquainted  with  the  habits  of  the  general. 
He  discovered  that  it  was  his  custom  to  return  home 
at  about  twelve  every  night,  and  that  previous  to  going 
to  bed,  he  always  visited  the  garden.  During  this 
visit,  the  conspirators  were  to  seize  him,  and,  being  pre- 
pared with  a  gag,  were  to  apply  it  instantly. 

21.  Adjoining  the  house  in  which  Arnold  resided, 
and  in  which  it  was  intended  to  seize  and  gag  him, 
Champe  had  taken  off  several  of  the  palings,  and  so  re- 
placed them  that  he  could  easily  open  his  way  to  the 
adjoining  alley.  Into  this  alley  he  meant  to  have  con- 
veyed his  prisoner,  with  the  assistance  of  a  single  com- 
panion. Another  associate  was  to  be  prepared  with  a 
boat  to  receive  them  at  one  of  the  wharves  on  the 
Hudson 

22.  Champe  and  his  friend  intended  to  have  placed 
themselves  each  under  Arnold's  shoulder,  and  to  have 
thus  borne  him  through  the  most  unfrequea'xi  alleys 
and  streets  to  the  boat.     If  questioned,  they  were  to 

19.  Communications  to  Major  Lee  ?  20.  What  plan  had  Uhampe 
formed  ? 


104  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON 

represent  him  as  a  drunken  soldier  whom  they  were 
conveying  to  the  guard  house. 

23.  The  day  arrived,  and  Lee,  with  a  party  of 
dragoons,  left  camp  late  in  the  evening,  with  three  led, 
accoutred  horses,  one  for  Arnold,  one  for  the  sergeant, 
and  the  third  for  his  associate,  never  doubting  the 
success  of  the  enterprise.  The  party  reached  Hoho- 
ken  about  midnight  ;  hour  after  hour  passed  ;  no  boat 
approached.  At  length  the  day  broke,  and  the  major, 
with  his  party,  returned  to  camp.  Washington  was 
much  chagrined  at  the  issue,  and  apprehensive  that  the 
sergeant  had  been  detected  in  his  dangerous  enter- 
prise. 

24.  It  so  happened  that  on  the  very  day  preceding 
the  night  fixed  for  the  plot,  Arnold  had  removed  his 
quarters  to  another  part  of  the  town,  to  superintend 
the  embarkation  of  some  troops.  The  American  le- 
gion had  been  transferred  from  their  barracks  to  one 
of  the  transports,  so  that  Champe,  instead  of  crossing 
the  Hudson  that  night,  was  safely  deposited  on  board 
one  of  the  vessels  of  the  fleet,  whence  he  never  depart- 
ed till  the  troops  under  Arnold  landed  in  Virginia. 

25.  It  was  some  time  before  he  was  able  to  escape 
from  the  British ;  when  he  deserted,  and,  proceeding 
high  up  into  Virginia,  passed  into  North  Carolina,  and 
safely  joined  the  army.  His  appearance  excited  great 
surprise  among  his  former  comrades,  which  was  not  a 

23.  What  did  Lee  do  on  the  appointed  day  ?  Result  of  the  enter- 
prise ?  24.  What  caused  the  failure  of  the  plan  ?  What  of  Champe  1 
25.  His  reception  by  Lee  ? 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  105 

.lttle  increased  when  they  saw  the  cordial  reception  he 
met  with  from  the  then  Lieutenant  Colonel  Lee.  His 
whole  story  soon  became  known  to  the  corps,  and  ex- 
cited universal  admiration. 

26.  Champe  was  introduced  to  General  Greene,  who 
cheerfully  complied  with  certain  promises  that  had 
been  made  to  him  by  the  commander  in  chief.  He 
was  provided  with  a  good  horse  and  money  for  his 
journey  to  head  quarters.  Washington  treated  him 
munificently,  and  presented  him  with  his  discharge 
from  further  service,  lest,  in  the  vicissitudes  of  war,  he 
should  fall  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy,  and  die  upon  a 
gibbet. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

Revolt  on  the  Night  o/NeivYear.  A  second  Revolt.  Troops 
sent  against  the  Insurgents.  Ringleaders  shot.  Anec- 
dote. Army  marches  through  Philadelphia.  An  amusing 
Letter.     Arrival  of  Count  de  Grasse.     Siege  of  YorJdoum. 

1.  The  campaign  of  1780  ended  with  no  very  de- 
cided efforts,  and  the  army  went  into  winter  quartern. 
On  the  first  night  of  the  new  year,  a  very  serious  muti- 
ny broke  out  among  the  troops  at  Morristown.     AboiU 


26.  General  Greene  1     How  was  Champe  rewarded  by  Washing 
ton  ? 

1 .  Campaign  of  1780  ?     What  happened  on  new  year's  night  1 


106  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

thirteen  hundred  men  paraded  without  their  officers, 
and,  inarching  to  the  magazines,  supplied  themselves 
with  provisions  and  military  stores. 

2.  General  Wayne,  who  commanded  them,  went 
out  and  endeavored  to  use  his  influence  and  authority 
to  check  the  revolt.  On  cocking  his  pistol,  they  pre- 
sented their  bayonets  to  his  breast.  "  We  respect  and 
love  you,"  they  said,  "  but  we  warn  you  to  be  upon 
your  guard  ;  if  you  fire  your  pistols,  or  attempt  to  en- 
force your  commands,  we  shall  put  you  instantly  to 
death."  The  mutineers  determined  to  march  imme- 
diately to  Philadelphia,  and  demand  of  Congress  a  re- 
dress of  their  grievances.  A  committee  was  appointed 
by  this  body,  and  eventually  an  accommodation  was 
made  with  the  insurgents. 

3.  Washington  was  far  from  being  pleased  at  the  is- 
sue of  this  transaction,  and  determined  to  adopt  more 
severe  and  decisive  measures  in  future.  A  revolt 
shortly  after  broke  out  in  another  regiment,  and  he  at 
once  ordered  a  detachment  of  five  hundred  men  to 
march  and  reduce  them  to  duty.  This  party  was 
placed  under  the  command  of  Major  General  Robert 
Howe. 

4.  On  the  twenty-seventh  of  January,  about  day- 
light, this  detachment  arrived  within  sight  of  the  huts 
of  the  insurgents.  Here  they  were  halted,  and  re- 
ceived orders  to  load  their  arms.     General  Howe  then 

2.  What  of  General  Wayne  1  What  did  the  mutineers  say  to  him? 
What  was  done  for  them  ?  3.  What  of  Washington  ?  4.  What  was 
done  by  Major  General  Howe  ? 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  107 

addressed  them,  representing  the  enormity  of  the  crime 
of  the  mutineers,  and  adding  that  no  terms  could  be 
nade  with  them  till  they  were  brought  to  entire  sub- 
mission. The  troops  were  then  directed  to  surround 
the  huts  on  all  sides.  He  then  ordered  his  aid-de-camp 
.o  command  the  mutineers  to  appear  in  front  of  their 
mts,  unarmed,  within  five  minutes.  A  second  mes- 
senger was  sent,  and  they  immediately  formed  as  they 
were  directed. 

5.  Being  thus  overpowered,  the  mutineers  quietly 
submitted  to  their  fate.  General  Howe  ordered  that 
three  of  the  ringleaders  should  be  selected  for  imme- 
diate punishment.  These  wretched  men  were  tried 
on  the  spot,  by  a  court-martial  standing  in  the  snow, 
and  were  sentenced  to  be  shot.  Twelve  of  the  most 
guilty  mutineers  were  now  chosen  to  be  their  execu- 
tioners. Two  of  these  offenders  were  shot,  and  the 
third  pardoned.  The  terror  of  this  scene  produced  a 
very  powerful  effect  upon  the  guilty  soldiers.  They 
asked  pardon  of  their  officers,  and  promised  a  faithful 
discharge  of  duty  for  the  future. 

6.  The  war,  during  this  campaign,  was  carried,  by 
the  British,  through  every  section  of  the  country.  Their 
head  quarters  continued  in  New  York,  but  the  army 
were  scattered  at  different  times  through  the  Carolinas, 
Georgia  and  Virginia.  Washington  could  have  no 
immediate  agency  in  the  southern  department,  but  his 
advice  was  frequently  requested,  and  as  large  detach- 

5.  How  were  the  mutineers  punished  ?  6.  What  of  the  British  ? 
Washington  ? 


108  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

ments  of  troops  were  sent  as  could  be  spared  from  the 
neighborhood  of  West  Point. 

7.  While  the  British  were  in  the  Potomac,  they  sent 
a  flag  on  shore  to  Mount  Vernon,  requiring  a  supply 
of  fresh  provisions.  To  prevent  the  destruction  of 
property,  the  person  whom  Washington  left  with  the 
care  of  his  estate,  went  on  board  with  the  flag,  and 
carried  a  quantity  of  provisions,  requesting  that  the 
buildings  might  be  spared.  For  this,  the  general  se- 
verely reprimanded  him  in  a  letter,  observing, — "  It 
would  have  been  a  less  painful  circumstance  to  me  to 
have  heard,  that,  in  consequence  of  your  non-compli- 
ance with  the  request  of  the  British,  they  had  burnt 
my  house,  and  laid  my  plantation  in  ashes." 

8.  In  the  beginning  of  the  campaign,  Washington 
had  intended  to  attack  the  British  posts  at  New  York, 
and  had  written  a  letter  which  detailed  the  plan  of  his 
operations  This  letter  was  intercepted,  and  fell  into 
the  hands  of  Sir  Henry  Clinton.  Circumstances  af- 
terwards occurred  to  induce  Washington  to  change 
his  original  intention,  and  transfer  the  scene  of  war  to 
Virginia. 

9.  General  Washington  having  proceeded  in  ad- 
vance to  Virginia,  the  American  troops  were  left  under 
the  command  of  General  Lincoln,  and  the  French  un- 
der the  Baron  de  Viomenil.  When  the  army  marched 
through  Philadelphia,  on  the  way  to  the  south,  a  num- 

7.  How  was  the  request  of  the  British  for  provisions  received  ? 
Feelings  of  Washington  ?  8.  What  of  his  letter  ?  9.  Where  did 
General  Washington  go  1     What  of  the  march  through  Philadelphia  ' 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  109 

ber  of  interesting  and  amusing  occurrences  took  plac%:. 
The  windows  were  crowded  with  spectators.  On  ac- 
count of  the  warm  and  dry  weather,  the  streets  were 
fdled  with  dust,  and  the  American  soldiers  were  envel- 
oped in  clouds  of  it.  The  line  of  march  extended 
nearly  two  miles.  The  French  troops  did  not  pass 
through  the  city  till  the  next  day,  and  the  following 
lively  account  of  their  march  is  taken  from  letters  pub- 
lished by  a  French  clergyman  in  Count  Rochambeau's 
army. 

10.  "  The  arrival  of  the  French  army  at  Philadel- 
phia was  more  like  a  triumph  than  simply  a  passing 
through  the  place.  The  troops  made  a  halt  about  a 
quarter  of  a  league  from  the  city,  and  in  an  instant 
were  dressed  as  elegantly  as  ever  the  soldiers  of  a  gar- 
rison were  on  a  day  of  review ;  they  then  marched 
through  the  town,  with  the  military  music  playing  be 
fore  them,  which  is  always  particularly  pleasing  to  the 
Americans  ;  the  streets  were  crowded  with  people,  and 
the  ladies  appeared  at  the  windows  in  their  most  bril- 
liant attire.  All  Philadelphia  was  astonished  to  see 
people  who  had  endured  the  fatigues  of  a  long  journey, 
so  ruddy  and  handsome,  and  even  wondered  that  «here 
could  possibly  be  Frenchmen  of  so  genteel  an  ap- 
pearance. 

11.  "We  were  a  good  deal  amused  with  a  mistakfi 
of  some  of  the  common  people,  who  took  for  a  general, 
one  of  those  alert  fellows,  whom  our  commanding  offi- 


The  French  troops  ?     10.  Relate  the  account  given  by  a  French 
clergyman, 

10 


HO  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

cers  commonly  have  in  their  retinue  to  run  up  and 
down  to  carry  their  written  orders.  His  short,  tight- 
uodied  coat,  his  rich  waistcoat  with  a  silver  fringe,  his 
rose-colored  shoes,  his  cap,  adorned  with  a  coat  of 
arms,  and  his  cane,  with  an  enormous  head— all  ap- 
peared to  them  so  many  tokens  of  extraordinary  digni- 
ty. Though  he  approached  his  master,  the  colonel 
commandant,  merely  to  receive  and  publish  his  orders, 
they  imagined  that  he  gave  them  of  his  own  accord, 
and  directed  the  movements  of  the  troops,  independent- 
ly of  any  superior." 

12.  The  French  minister  on  this  occasion  invited 
all  the  officers  to  a  splendid  dinner.  They  had  just 
seated  themselves  at  table,  when  an  express  arrived. 
Every  one  was  anxious  to  learn  what  intelligence  it 
could  have  brought ;  all  eyes  were  fixed  upon  the  min- 
ister. "Thirty-six  ships  of  the  line,"  said  he,  "com- 
manded by  Monsieur  le  Comte  de  Grasse,  have  arrived 
in  Chesapeake  Bay,  and  three  thousand  men  have 
landed  and  opened  a  communication  with  the  Marquis 
de  la  Fayette." 

13.  This  glad  news  was  soon  spread  through  every 
quarter  of  the  city  ;  and  echoes  of  joy  resounded  on  all 
sides.  Some  merry  fellows,  says  our  French  clergy- 
man, mounted  on  scaffolds  and  stages,  pronounced  fu- 
neral orations  for  Cornwallis,  and  uttered  lamentations 
on  the  grief  and  distress  of  the  tories.  The  people  ran 
in  crowds  to  the  residence  of  the  minister  of  France, 


12.  Dinner  given  by  the  minister?     What  of  the  express  ?     13.  blf- 
fi'cts  of  the  news  1 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  Hi 

and  Long  live  Louis  the  Sixteenth  was  the  general 
cry. 

14.  Washington  had  advanced  as  far  as  Chester, 
when  he  received  the  news  of  the  arrival  of  the  fleet 
commanded  by  M.  de  Grasse.  He  immediately  visited 
the  count,  attended  by  several  of  the  general  officers  of 
the  French  and  American  armies.  A  plan  of  opera- 
tions was  then  agreed  upon,  and  the  combined  forces, 
partly  by  land  and  partly  by  water,  proceeded  on  their 
way  to  Yorktown. 

15.  In  this  place,  Lord  Cornwallis,  with  the  royal 
army,  had  taken  post,  and  constructed  strong  fortifica- 
tions. It  is  a  little  village,  on  the  south  bank  of  the 
river  York,  about  fifteen  miles  from  its  entrance  into 
Chesapeake  Bay.  The  British  forces  amounted  to  sev- 
en thousand  men  ;  the  allied  army  to  about  twelve  thou- 
sand. The  works  erected  for  the  security  of  the  town 
were  redoubts  and  batteries,  and  every  effort  was  made 
to  strengthen  them. 

16.  On  the  first  of  October,  the  allied  armies  had 
made  some  progress  in  the  siege.  They  had  compell- 
ed the  British  to  abandon  several  of  their  redoubts,  and 
retire  within  the  town.  During  a  severe  cannonade 
from  the  enemy,  while  the  Reverend  Mr.  Evans  was 
standing  near  the  commander  in  chief,  a  shot  struck 
the  ground  so  near  as  to  cover  his  hat  with  sand.  Be- 
ing much  agitated,  he  took  off  his  hat,  and  said,  "  See 
here,  general."      "  Mr.  Evans,"   replied  Washington, 

14.  What  of  Washington  ?  15.  Lord  Cornwallis  ?  British  forces  ? 
Allied  army  ?     1G.  Anecdote  of  Mr.  Evans  7 


112  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

with  his  usual  composure,  "  you  had  better  carry   that 
home,  and  show  it  to  your  wife  and  children." 

17.  The  American  troops  labored  for  a  number  of 
days  with  incessant  activity,  in  digging  trenches,  and 
erecting  batteries.  Two  or  three  batteries  having  been 
prepared  to  open  upon  the  town,  General  Washington 
put  the  match  to  the  first  gun,  and  a  furious  discharge 
of  cannon  and  mortars  immediately  followed.  From 
the  tenth  to  the  fifteenth  of  the  month,  a  severe  and 
continual  firing  was  kept  up  by  the  allied  armies.  The 
enemy  returned  the  fire  with  little  effect. 

18.  During  this  period,  a  shell  from  the  French  bat- 
tery set  fire  to  a  forty-four  gun  ship,  and  two  or  three 
smaller  vessels  in  the  river.  It  was  in  the  night  time, 
and  presented  a  splendid  spectacle.  The  fire  spread 
all  over  the  ships,  running  about  the  rigging  to  the  tops 
of  the  masts,  and  casting  a  broad  and  bright  flame  over 
the  waters.  This  dreadful  scene,  in  the  darkness  of 
night,  amid  the  roar  of  cannon  and  bursting  of  shells, 
must  have  been  brilliant  and  sublime. 

19.  A  description  of  this  siege  is  given  by  Dr. 
Thatcher,  a  surgeon  in  the  revolutionary  army.  "  Be- 
ing in  the  trenches,"  he  observes,  "  every  other  night 
and  day,  I  have  a  fine  opportunity  of  witnessing  the 
sublime  and  stupendous  scene  which  is  continually  ex- 
hibiting. The  bomb  shells  from  the  besiegers  and  the 
besieged  are  incessantly  crossing  each  others'  path  in 
the  air.     They  are  clearly  visible  in  the  form  of  a  black 

17.  American  troops  1  18.  Ships  set  on  fire  ?  19.  Dr.  Thatcher's 
description  of  the  bomb  shells  ? 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  113 

ball  in  the  day,  but  in  the  night  they  appear  like  a  fiery 
meteor  with  a  blazing  tail,  most  beautifully  brilliant, 
ascending  majestically  from  the  mortar  to  a  certain  al- 
titude, and  gradually  descending  to  the  spot  where  they 
are  destined  to  execute  their  work  of  destruction." 

20.  These  shells  in  falling  whirl  round,  and  exca- 
vate the  earth  to  a  considerable  extent,  making  terri- 
ble havoc  when  they  burst.  They  can  be  thrown  to  a 
given  spot  by  an  expert  gunner  with  the  greatest  accu- 
racy. After  carrying  on  this  kind  of  warfare  for  a 
number  of  days,  the  American  general  determined  to 
take,  by  assault,  two  redoubts,  about  three  hundred 
yards  in  front  of  the  principal  works  of  the  enemy. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

Siege  continued.  Assault  of  British  Redoubts.  Anecdote. 
Suirender  of  Yorktotvn.  Anecdotes.  Proclamation  of 
Congress.  Army  returns  to  the  Vicinity  of  New  York. 
Mutiny.     Celebration  of  the  Birth  of  the  Dauphin, 

1.  The  two  British  redoubts  were  assaulted  at  the 
.same  time  ;  one  by  a  brigade  of  American  troops,  un 
der  the  command  of  the  Marquis  de  la  Fayette  ;  and 
the  other  by  a  French  detachment  under  the  Baron  de 
Viomenil.     The  assault  commenced  at  eight  o'clock, 

20.  What  did  Washington  determine  to  do  1 
1.  Assault   upon    the    British  1 
10* 


114  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

in  the  evening,  and  was  soon  successfully  concluded  « 
the  Americans  losing  but  a  very  few  men,  and  the 
French  a  considerable  number. 

2.  The  reason  of  this  difference  in  the  loss  of  men 
was,  that  the  Americans,  in  coming  to  the  abattis,  tore 
away  a  part  of  it,  and  leapt  over  the  remainder.  The 
French,  however,  waited  till  their  pioneers  had  cut  away 
the  abattis,  according  to  rule,  being  exposed,  meanwhile, 
to  a  severe  fire  from  the  enemy.  When  the  marquis 
entered  the  works,  he  sent  his  aid,  Major  Barbour, 
through  a  terrible  fire  of  the  enemy,  to  inform  Baron 
Viomenil  "  that  he  was  in  his  redoubt,  and  to  ask  the 
baron  where  he  was."  The  messenger  found  the 
French  troops  clearing  away  the  abattis,  but  the  baron 
sent  back  this  answer — "  Tell  the  marquis  I  am  not  in 
mine,  but  will  be  in  five  minutes."  He  advanced,  and 
entered  the  works  within  his  time. 

3.  During  the  assault,  the  British  kept  up  a  very  se- 
vere and  incessant  fire  of  musketry  and  cannon.  Wash- 
ington and  the  Generals  Lincoln  and  Knox,  with  their 
aids,  were  standing  in  an  exposed  situation,  waiting 
the  result.  One  of  Washington's  aids,  solicitous  for  hid 
safety,  said  to  him,  "  Sir,  you  are  too  much  exposed 
here ;  had  you  not  better  step  a  little  back."  "  Colonel 
Cobb,"  replied  the  general,  "  if  you  are  afraid,  you 
have  liberty  to  step  back." 

4.  On  the  seventeenth  of  the  month,  LordCornwal- 

2.  Conduct  of  the  French  and  American  troops  ?  Relate  the  an- 
ecdote of  the  baron  and  marquis.  3.  Anecdote  of  Washington 
4-    Lord  (Jornwallis. 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  j}5 


.enerals  Washington,  Lincoln  and  Knox,  at  tne  Battle  of  Yorktown 


116  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

lis  was  reduced  to  the  necessity  of  sending  out  a  flag, 
to  request  a  cessation  of  hostilities  for  twenty-four 
hours.  Two  or  three  flags  passed  in  the  course  of  the 
day,  and  Washington  at  length  consented  to  a  suspen- 
sion of  hostilities  for  two  hours,  that  his  lordship  might 
suggest  his  proposals  for  a  treaty. 

5.  At  an  early  hour  in  the  forenoon  of  the  18th, 
General  Washington  communicated  to  the  British  com- 
mander the  basis  of  the  terms  of  capitulation  to  which 
he  would  consent.  A  sufficient  time  was  allowed  for 
reply.  Two  officers  were  then  selected  from  each 
army  to  meet,  and  prepare  the  particular  articles  of 
agreement.  These  were  arranged,  and  confirmed  by 
the  commanders  in  chief. 

6.  On  the  nineteenth  of  October,  preparations 
were  made  to  receive  the  British  general  and  his 
soldiers  prisoners  of  war.  The  terms  of  capitulation 
were  similar  to  those  granted  to  General  Lincoln,  at 
Charleston. 

7.  At  about  twelve  o'clock,  the  allied  armies  were 
arranged,  and  drawn  up  in  two  lines,  extending  more 
than  a  mile  in  length.  The  Americans,  with  General 
Washington  at  their  head,  occupied  the  right  side  of 
the  road  ;  the  French,  with  Count  Rochambeau,  occu- 
pied the  left.  The  French  troops  were  in  complete 
and  beautiful  uniform,  and  presented  a  very  military 
and   noble    appearance.     The    Americans   were    not 

5.  What  of  the  terms  of  capitulation  ?  6.  What  preparations  were 
made  on  the  nineteenth  of  October  ?  7.  Arrangement  of  the  allied 
armies  1 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  117 

dressed  so  neatly,  but  their  air  was  martial,  their  step 
lightened,  and  their  countenance  animated  with  joy. 
Great  crowds  were  collected  from  the  neighboring  vil- 
lages to  witness  the  ceremony. 

8.  At  about  two  o'clock,  the  captive  army  advanced 
through  the  lines  formed  to  receive  them.  It  was  ex- 
pected that  Lord  Cornwallis  would  be  at  their  head, 
but  he  pretended  indisposition,  and  made  General 
O'Hara  his  substitute.  This  officer  was  followed  by 
the  conquered  troops,  with  shouldered  arms,  colors 
cased,  and  drums  beating  a  slow  and  solemn  march. 
Having  arrived  at  the  head  of  the  line,  General  O'Hara 
advanced  to  Washington,  and  apologized  for  the  ab- 
sence of  Earl  Cornwallis.  The  commander  in  chief 
courteously  pointed  to  General  Lincoln  for  directions. 

9.  This  officer  conducted  the  British  army  into  a 
large  field,  where  they  were  to  ground  their  arms. 
This  was  a  severe  trial  for  the  disciplined  and  haughty 
soldiers  of  England.  It  was  a  great  mortification  to 
yield  to  raw  continentals,  and  to  the  Yankee  general 
whom  they  had  ridiculed  in  their  farces.  Some  of  the 
platoon  officers  were  weak  enough  to  make  no  secret 
of  their  chagrin  and  ill  temper.  After  having  grounded 
their  arms,  and  taken  off  their  accoutrements,  the  cap- 
tives were  reconducted  to  Yorktown,  and  put  under 
guard. 

10.  In  his  general  orders  on  the  next  day,  Wash- 

8.  What  of  the  British  army  ?  9.  Where  were  they  conducted  1 
What  then  look  place  ?  10.  What  orders  did  Washington  give  th* 
next  day  ? 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 


Surrender  oi  trie  British  Ar 


£  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  119 

vngton  expressed  his  warmest  thanks  to  the  soldiers 
and  officers  of  the  combined  army  for  their  brave  con- 
duct during  the  siege.  Wishing  that  every  heart 
should  share  in  the  general  joy,  he  gave  orders  that  all 
in  confinement  or  under  arrest  should  be  immediately 
pardoned  and  set  at  liberty.  On  the  Sunday  follow- 
ing, the  army  was  drawn  up  in  the  field,  for  the  per- 
formance of  divine  service. 

11.  The  American  troops  were  immediately  em- 
ployed in  embarking  the  artillery  and  military  stores 
on  board  of  transports  for  the  North  river.  Lord  Corn- 
wallis  and  his  officers  received  every  civility  and  atten- 
tion from  the  American  generals,  that  it  was  in  their 
power  to  bestow.  General  Washington  and  Count 
Rocharnbeau  frequently  invited  them  to  entertain- 
ments, and  they  expressed  grateful  acknowledgments 
of  their  hospitality. 

12.  On  one  occasion,  when  Cornwallis,  in  the  pres- 
ence of  the  commander  in  chief,  was  standing  with  his 
head  uncovered,  Washington  politely  said  to  him, 
"  My  lord,  you  had  better  be  covered  from  the  cold." 
"  It  matters  little,  sir,"  replied  Cornwallis,  "  what  be- 
comes of  this  head  now." 

13.  An  anecdote  has  been  told  of  Washington, 
which  reflects  as  much  credit  upon  his  delicacy  of  feel- 
ing, as  the  event  to  which  it  relates  does  upon  his  mil- 
itary skill.  After  the  surrender  of  the  town,  when  the 
British  soldiers  were  marching  forth  from  the  garrison 

11.  Employment  of  the  American  troops  ?  Cornwallis  and  bis  offi- 
i-i.-n  t     12.  Conversation  between  Cornwallis  ani  Washington  1 


ISO  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

to  deliver  up  their  arms,  the  commander  in  chief  thus 
addressed  the  division  of  the  army  to  which  he  was  at- 
tached :  "  My  brave  fellows,  let  no  sensation  of  satis- 
faction for  the  triumphs  you  have  gained,  induce  you 
to  insult  your  fallen  enemy — let  no  shouting,  no  clam- 
orous huzzaing  increase  their  mortification.  It  is  suf- 
ficient that  we  witness  their  humiliation.  Posterity 
will  huzza  for  us  !" 

14.  When  Congress  received  the  letter  from  Wash- 
ington, that  announced  the  surrender  of  the  British 
army,  they  determined  to  go  in  procession,  at  two 
o'clock,  to  the  Dutch  Lutheran  church,  and  return 
thanks  to  Heaven  for  the  success  of  the  allied  forces. 
They  also  issued  a  proclamation  for  observing,  through- 
out the  United  States,  the  thirteenth  of  December  as 
a  day  of  thanksgiving  and  prayer. 

15.  They  resolved  to  erect  in  Yorktown  a  marble 
column,  adorned  with  emblems  of  the  alliance  between 
the  United  States  and  his  most  Christian  Majesty  of 
France,  and  inscribed  with  a  brief  narrative  of  the  sur- 
render of  the  British  army.  Two  stands  of  colors, 
taken  from  the  enemy  at  the  capitulation,  were  pre- 
sented to  General  Washington  by  Congress,  in  the 
name  of  the  United  States.  Two  pieces  of  field  ord 
nance,  taken  at  the  same  time,  by  a  resolve  of  Con 
gress  were  presented  to  Count  Rochambeau.  On 
these  a  few  words  were  engraved,  expressing  that  the 

13.  Address  of  Washington  to  the  army  ?  14.  What  of  Congress  ? 
15.  Marble  column  ?  What  was  presented  to  Washington  ?  To 
Count  Rochambeau  ? 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  !21 

gift  was  made  in  consideration  of  the  part  which  this 
officer  had  borne  in  effecting  the  surrender. 

16.  After  the  capture  of  Cornwallis,  Washington, 
with  the  greater  part  of  his  army,  returned  to  the  vicin- 
ity of  New  York.  Though  complete  success  had  been 
attained  in  Virginia,  and  great  advantages  in  the  Car- 
olinas,  the  commander  in  chief  urged  immediate  prep- 
arations for  another  campaign.  He  was  afraid  that 
Congress  would  think  the  work  so  nearly  done,  as  to 
relax  their  efforts  in  raising  the  requisite  number  of 
troops.  "  To  prevent  this  error,"  he  observes,  in  a  let- 
ter to  General  Greene,  "I  shall  employ  every  means 
in  my  power  ;  and  if,  unhappily,  we  sink  into  this  fatal 
mistake,  no  part  of  the  blame  shall  be  mine." 

17.  Early  in  May  in  1782,  there  was,  for  the  first 
time  during  the  war,  a  mutiny  among  the  soldiers  from 
Connecticut.  It  had  been  conducted  with  the  utmost 
address  and  secrecy,  till  the  night  before  its  intended 
execution.  The  soldiers  had  unanimously  determined, 
on  the  next  morning,  to  leave  their  encampment  and 
march  for  Fishkill.  Here  they  were  to  supply  them- 
selves with  field-pieces,  provision  and  ammunition,  and 
proceed  to  Hartford  to  demand  justice  of  the  state  as- 
sembly. 

18.  When  the  officers  were  retiring  to  Ded,  a  faith- 
ful soldier  informed  one  of  them  that  he  could  not  rest 
without  making  known  an  event  which  was  to  take 
place  on  the  next  morning.     He  immediately  divulged 

16.  Where  did  Washington  go  ?    What  does  he  say  in  a  letter  7 
1?.  Mutiny  in  the  army  1  IS.  How  was  the  conspiracy  discovered? 
11    "  F 


122 


OF  WASHINGTON. 


the  whole  plot.  The  most  guilty  soldiers  were  i.  nee 
seized  and  confined,  and  the  ringleader  sentenced  to 
suffer  death.     Thus  the  whole  design  was  frustrated. 

19.  On  the  first  of  June,  the  birth  of  the  dauphin 
of  France  was  celebrated  in  the  camp  by  a  magnificent 
festival.  The  edifice  in  which  the  company  partook 
of  the  entertainment  was  erected  on  the  plain  at  West 
Point.  It  was  six  hundred  feet  in  length,  and  thirty 
feet  wide,  supported  by  one  hundred  and  eighteen  col- 
umns made  of  the  trunks  of  trees.  The  roof  and  walls 
were  composed  of  leafy  branches  skilfully  interwoven. 
On  the  inside,  every  pillar  was  surrounded  with  weap- 
ons of  war,  and  the  whole  hall  ornamented  with  hang- 
ing banners  and  evergreens,  with  a  variety  of  emblems 
and  devices. 

20.  The  whole  army  was  paraded  on  the  hills  on 
both  sides  of  the  river,  forming  a  circle  of  several 
miles,  in  open  view  of  the  edifice.  At  a  given  signal 
the  regimental  officers  left  their  commands,  and  repair- 
ed to  the  building,  to  partake  of  an  entertainment 
which  had  been  prepared  by  order  of  the  commander 
in  chief.  At  five  o'clock,  General  Washington,  with 
his  lady  and  suite,  and  the  principal  officers  of  the 
army,  with  their  ladies,  moved  through  a  line  formed 
by  a  regiment  of  artillery  from  General  McDougall's 
quarters  to  the  arbor. 

21.  More  than  five  hundred  partook  of  the  festival. 
When  the  cloth  was  removed,  thirteen  toasts  were 
drank,  announced  by  the  discharge  of  thirteen  cannon, 

19.  Celebration  of  the  birth  of  the  dairohin  ? 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  123 

and  accompanied  by  music.  In  the  evening,  the  ar 
bor  was  illuminated  with  a  vast  number  of  lights,  ar- 
ranged with  regularity  and  taste.  When  the  officers 
rejoined  their  regiments,  thirteen  cannon  were  again 
fired. 

22.  This  was  succeeded  by  a  discharge  from  the 
whole  army  through  the  surrounding  hills,  three  times 
repeated.  The  flashes  of  the  musketry  from  a  thou- 
sand quarters  gleamed  like  the  lightning,  while  the  old 
cliffs  and  rocks  of  the  mountains  pealed  with  a  myriad 
echoes.  This  fire  was  followed  by  three  shouts  of 
benediction  for  the  dauphin  by  the  united  voices  of 
the  whole  army.  At  half  past  eleven  o'clock,  an  exhi- 
bition of  fireworks  concluded  the  celebration. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

Murder  of  Captain  Huddy.  Council  of  War  determine  upon 
Retaliation.  Story  of  Captain  Asgill.  Parade  of  the 
Troops.  Compliment  from  Count  Rochambcau.  Claims 
of  the  Army.  Anonymous  Addresses.  Washington's  In- 
terview with  the  Officers.  Letter  to  Congress.  Cessation 
of  Hostilities.  Washington's  Address  to  the  Army.  Mu- 
tiny among  some  Pennsylvania  Troops. 

1.  In  the  month  of  April,  a  horrid  transaction   oc- 
curred among  the  refugees.      It  was  the  murder   of 


1.  What  took  place  in  April  7 


124  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

Captain  Joshua  Huddy  of  New  Jersey.  lie  had  been 
taken  prisoner  by  a  party  of  refugees,  and  carried  to 
New  York,  where  he  was  hung  without  the  semblance 
of  a  trial.  They  fixed  a  label  on  his  breast,  expressive 
of  their  determination  to  hang  man  for  man  while  there 
was  a  refugee  existing,  and  ending  with — Up  goes  Hud- 
dy for  Philip  White. 

2.  The  pretended  reason  for  this  cruelty  was,  that 
Captain  Huddy  had  made  prisoner  of  a  man  of  their 
party,  and  having  broken  both  his  legs,  had  tauntingly 
bid  him  to  run.  This  was  untrue,  as  Captain  Huddy, 
at  the  time  White  was  taken,  was  a  prisoner  in  New 
York.  This  murder  so  excited  the  people  of  New 
Jersey,  that  they  addressed  a  letter  to  General  Wash- 
ington, claiming  justice,  or  retaliation.  Washington 
wrote  to  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  assuring  him  that  unless 
the  murderers  were  immediately  given  up,  he  should 
be  obliged  to  take  measures  to  retaliate. 

3.  A  council  of  war  was  assembled,  to  determine 
what  course  it  was  most  proper  to  pursue.  Without 
conversing  on  the  subject,  the  officers  wrote  their  opin- 
ions, and  addressed  them,  sealed,  to  the  commander  in 
chief.  It  was  determined,  unanimously,  that  they 
ought  to  haye  recourse  to  retaliation,  that  the  officer  to 
suffer  should  be  of  the  same  rank  with  Captain  Huddy, 
and  selected  by  lot. 

4.  The  names  of  the  British  captains  among  their 

2.  What  was  the  reason  given  for  this  cruelty  1  Effect  upon  the 
people  ?  Washington  ?     3.  What  was  determined  upon  by  the  conn- 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  1&> 

prisoners  were  accordingly  collected,  and  the  lot  was 
drawn.  It  fell  upon  Captain  Asgill,  a  young  man  of 
nineteen,  an  only  son,  and  of  a  noble  family.  General 
Washington  suffered  as  much  from  the  painful  neces- 
vity  of  executing  the  laws  of  war  in  the  present  in- 
stance, as  he  did  in  the  case  of  Andre.  He  addressed 
Congress  on  the  subject,  presenting  them  with  the  me- 
morial from  New  Jersey ;  they  entirely  approved  the 
measures  that 'had  been  adopted. 

5.  Information  having  been  received  that  a  court- 
martial  was  sitting  in  the  British  camp,  to  investigate 
the  conduct  of tnose  couceiiiea  m  tne  death  of  Captain 
Huddy,  General  Washington  waited  to  learn  the  re- 
sult. They  were  found  not  guilty,  and  Sir  Guy  Carle- 
ton  requested  a  passport  for  Chief  Justice  Smith  to  re- 
pair to  American  head  quarters,  and  exhibit  the  pro- 
ceedings of  the  court-martial.  General  Washington 
declined  this  interview,  as  the  question  was  purely  of 
a  military  nature,  "  whether  the  perpetrator  of  the 
wanton  and  cruel  murder  of  Huddy  was  to  be  given 
up,  or  a  British  officer  to  suffer  in  his  place." 

6.  The  execution  of  Captain  Asgill  was  delayed  a 
sufficient  time  for  the  intelligence  to  reach  his  frien  1 
in  Europe.  His  mother  immediately  wrote  to  Count 
de  Vergennes,  to  implore  his  interference,  in  the  moat 
eloquent  language  of  grief.  A  letter  was  at  once  dp 
spatched  by  the  count  to  Washington,  enclosing  the 

4.  Upon  whom  did  the  lot  fa!!  ?  What  did  Washington  do\ 
5.  Coort-^Jtia!  in  the  British  camp  ?  '  6.  What  took  place  in  respect 
to  Captain  Asgill  ? 

II* 


126  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

letter  of  Lady  Asgill.  Copies  of  these  papers  were  in- 
stantly transmitted  to  Congress,  who  resolved  that 
Captain  Asgill  should  be  set  at  liberty. 

7.  This  measure  relieved  Washington  from  a  load 
of  suffering  that  had  long  weighed  upon  him.  He  im- 
mediately sent  the  resolve  of  Congress  to  Captain  As- 
gill, accompanied  with  a  passport  to  New  York,  and  a 
letter,  which  concluded  in  the  following  words : — 

"  I  cannot  take  leave  of  you,  sir,  without  assuring  you, 
that,  in  whatever  light  my  agency  in  this  unpleasant 
affair  may  be  viewed,  I  was  never  influenced,  through 
the  whole  of  it,  by  sanguinary  motives,  but  by  what  I 
conceived  to  be  a  sense  of  my  duty,  which  loudly  call- 
ed on  me  to  take  measures,  however  disagreeable,  to 
prevent  a  repetition  of  those  enormities,  which  have 
been  the  subject  of  discussion.  And  that  this  impor- 
tant end  is  likely  to  be  answered  without  the  effusion 
of  the  blood  of  an  innocent  person,  is  not  a  greater  re- 
lief to  you  than  it  is,  sir,  to 

Your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 
George  Washington." 

8.  In  the  month  of  September,  the  whole  army  was 
paraded  in  honor  of  Count  Rochambeau,  who  had  just 
arrived  from  the  south.  The  troops  were  formed  in 
two  lines,  through  which  the  count  was  escorted,  by  a 
body  of  dragoons,  to  head  quarters.  He  was  here  re- 
ceived by  General  Washington.  The  army  then 
marched    before   him,    sitting    on   his   horse    by   the 

7.  What  did  Washington  do  ?  Repeat  part  of  his  letter  to  Captain 
Asgill.     8.  Parade  in  honor  of  Count  Rochambeau  ? 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  127 

side  of  the  commander  in  chief,  and  paid  the  usual 
salute. 

9.  The  appearance  of  the  troops  had  been  greatly 
improved.  They  were  in  complete  uniform,  and  ex- 
hibited every  sign  of  military  discipline.  The  count 
was  very  much  pleased  with  their  rapid  progress  in 
soldierly  accomplishments,  and  said  to  General  Wash- 
ington— "You  must  have  formed  an  alliance  with  the 
king  of  Prussia — These  troops  are  Prussians."  After 
deducting  somewhat  for  French  over-courtesy,  the 
compliment  was  undoubtedly  well  deserved. 

10.  During  the  campaign  of  this  year,  not  a  gun 
was  fired  between  the  two  armies.  The  prospect  of 
peace  was  so  favorable,  that  Congress  had  determined 
to  discharge  a  considerable  part  of  the  troops  on  the 
first  of  the  ensuing  January.  The  commander  in 
chief,  though  there  was  no  prospect  of  further  military 
movements,  continued  with  the  army  after  they  had 
retired  to  winter  quarters. 

11.  Nothing  had  been  decided  by  Congress  in  re- 
spect to  the  claims  of  the  soldiers,  when  news  arrived, 
in  March,  1783,  that  Great  Britain  had  acknowledged 
the  independence  of  the  United  States  in  the  preced- 
ing November.  This  intelligence  spread  around  an 
universal  joy.  The  army  exulted  with  the  rest  of  their 
fellow  citizens,  but  their  gladness  was  clouded  with 
fears  of  injustice  in  their  country. 

12.  They    thought    their    prospect    of   compensa- 

9.  Appearance  of  the  troops  ?  Count  Roehambeau*s  remark  to  the 
general?     10.  Campaign  of  17G2  i     11.  News  of  1733? 


128  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

tion  diminished  with  the  necessity  of  their  services. 
Petitions  had  been  presented  to  Congress  in  respect  to 
the  pay  of  officers,  but  the  objects  which  they  solicited 
were  not  obtained.  Under  these  circumstances,  anony- 
mous addresses  were  circulated  in  the  army,  which 
produced  the  most  violent  excitement.  Every  indica- 
tion was  given  of  a  storm  that  would  destroy  the  peace 
of  the  country,  and  its  new  liberties. 

13.  A  paper  had  been  privately  handed  about,  call- 
ing a  meeting  of  the  officers  on  the  next  day.  It  was 
an  occasion  that  demanded  all  the  wisdom  and  influ- 
ence of  Washington.  He  accordingly  noticed  the 
anonymous  summons  in  general  orders,  and  requested 
a  meeting,  nominally  for  the  same  purpose,  four  days 
later.  In  the  mean  time,  sending  for  the  officers  one 
after  another,  he  enlarged  upon  the  fatal  consequences 
that  would  result  from  the  adoption  of  any  violent 
measures.  His  unwearied  efforts  were  used  to  quiet 
the  agitation. 

14.  When  the  officers  assembled,  Washington  arose 
to  address  them.  Finding  his  eyesight  fail  him,  he  ob- 
served— "  My  eyes  have  grown  dim  in  my  country's 
service,  but  I  never  doubted  of  its  justice."  He  then 
delivered  a  very  interesting  and  feeling  address.  After 
commenting  fully  upon  the  anonymous  papers  that  had 
been  circulated  in  the  camp,  he  entreated  the  officers 
to  rely  on  the  justice  and  good  faith  of  Congress. 

"  And  let  me  conjure  you,"  he   continued,  "  in  the 

12.  Feelings  of  the  army  ?  Anonymous  letters?  13.  What  did 
Washington  do?      14.  How  did  he  address  the  officers  7 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  129 

name  of  our  common  country,  as  you  value  your  own 
sacred  honor,  as  you  respect  the  rights  of  humanity, 
and  as  you  regard  the  military  and  national  character 
of  America,  to  express  your  utmost  horror  and  detesta- 
tion of  the  man  who  wishes,  under  any  specious  pre- 
tences, to  overturn  the  liberties  of  our  country,  and 
who  wickedly  attempts  to  open  the  floods  of  civil  dis- 
cord, and  deluge  our  rising  empire  in  blood." 

15.  Having  finished  his  eloquent  and  powerful  ad- 
dress, his  excellency  withdrew,  and  the  convention 
unanimously  resolved  to  present  him  their  thanks,  and 
assure  him  "  that  the  officers  reciprocate  his  affection- 
ate expressions  with  the  greatest  sincerity  of  which  the 
human  heart  is  capable."  General  Knox,  Colonel 
Brooks,  and  Captain  Howard,  were  then  appointed  a 
committee,  to  prepare  resolutions  expressive  of  the 
business  of  the  convention,  and  to  report  in  half  an 
hour.  These  resolutions  professed  an  undiminished 
attachment  to  the  liberties  of  their  country,  and  an  un- 
shaken confidence  in  the  justice  of  Congress. 

16.  The  result  of  these  proceedings  was  communi- 
cated, by  the  commander  in  chief,  to  Congress,  accom- 
panied by  an  impressive  letter.  "  If  the  whole  army," 
he  observes  in  the  course  of  it,  "  have  not  merited 
whatever  a  grateful  people  can  bestow,  then  have  1 
been  beguiled  by  prejudice,  and  built  opinion  on  the 
basis  of  error.  If  this  country  should  not  in  the  event 
perform  every  thing  which  has  been  requested  in  the 

15.  Result  of  this  address  1  1G.  Repeat  Washing-ton's  letter  to 
Congress. 

F2 


130  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

late  memorials  to  Congress,  then  will  my  belief  be- 
come vain,  and  the  hope  that  has  been  excited,  void  of 
foundation.  *  *  *  But  I  am  under  no  such  apprehen- 
sion ;  a  country  rescued  by  their  arms  from  impending 
ruin,  will  never  leave  unpaid  the  debt  of  gratitude." 

17.  Congress  at  length  came  to  resolutions,  in  which 
they  expressed  a  desire  to  gratify  the  reasonable  ex- 
pectations of  the  officers  of  Lie  army,  and  remove  all 
objections  which  might  exist  in  any  part  of  the  United 
States  to  the  principles  of  the  half  pay,  which  had  been 
pledged  to  them.  They  commuted  the  half  pay  for 
life  to  full  pay  for  the  space  of  five  years,  at  the  option 
of  the  parties  interested. 

18.  The  commander  in  chief  thus  addressed  the 
army,  on  the  cessation  of  hostilities,  in  April  : 

"The  commander  in  chief  orders  the  cessation  of 
hostilities,  between  the  United  States  of  America  and 
the  king  of  Great  Britain,  to  be  publicly  proclaimed 
to-morrow  at  twelve  o'clock,  at  the  New  Building  ;  and 
that  the  proclamation  which  will  be  communicated 
herewith,  be  read  to-morrow  evening,  at  the  head  of 
every  regiment  and  corps  of  the  army  ;  after  which,  the 
chaplains,  with  the  several  brigades,  will  render  thanks 
to  Almighty  God  for  all  his  mercies,  particularly  for 
his  overruling  the  wrath  of  man  to  his  own  glory,  and 
causing  the  rage  of  war  to  cease  among  the  nations." 

19.  The  reduction  of  the  army  had  been  resolved 
by  Congress,  but  it  was  a  difficult  measure,  and  re- 

17.  Resolutions  of  Congress  ?     18.  Address  to  the  arniy  ? 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  131 

quired  deliberation.  To  avoid  the  inconvenience  of 
dismissing  a  great  number  of  soldiers  in  a  body,  fur- 
loughs were  freely  granted  on  the  application  of  indi- 
viduals, and,  after  their  dispersion,  they  were  not  en- 
joined to  return.  In  this  manner,  a  great  part  of  an 
unpaid  army  was  dispersed  over  the  states,  without  tu- 
mult or  disorder. 

20.  While  the  troops  under  the  immediate  com- 
mand of  Washington  manifested  the  utmost  good  con- 
duct, a  mutiny  broke  out  among  some  new  levies  sta- 
tioned at  Lancaster,  in  Pennsylvania.  About  eighty 
soldiers,  in  defiance  of  their  officers,  marched  to  Phil- 
adelphia, to  seek  a  redress  of  their  alleged  grievances 
from  the  executive  council  of  the  state.  They  pro- 
ceeded to  the  barracks  in  the  city,  where  some  other 
soldiers  were  quartered,  who  joined  them.  The  whole 
body  amounted  to  about  three  hundred. 

21.  On  the  following  day,  the  insurgents,  with 
drums  beating  and  fixed  bayonets,  marched  to  the 
State-house,  the  seat  of  Congress  and  of  the  supreme 
executive  council  of  Pennsylvania.  They  placed  sen- 
tinels at  every  door,  sent  in  a  written  message  to  the 
president  and  council,  and  threatened  to  break  in  up- 
on them,  if  their  demands  were  not  granted  within 
twenty  minutes.  No  further  insult  was  offered  to  Con- 
gress, but  they  were  confined  in  this  manner  for  about 
three  hours. 

19.  How  was  the  army  reduced  ?  20.  Mutiny  at  Lancaster? 
21.  What  steps  did  the  insurgents  lake  ? 


122  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON 


CHAPTER  XV. 

Conduct  of  Washington  toivards  the  Mutineers.  His  Address 
to  Congress.  Farewell  Orders  to  the  Army.  Disbanding 
of  the  Troops.  British  evacuate  JYexv  York.  Splendid  En- 
tertainment.    Society  of  Cincinnati.     Parting  Scene. 

1.  Congress  resolved  that  the  authority  of  the  Unit- 
ed States  had  been  grossly  insulted  by  the  armed 
soldiers.  It  was  determined  that  a  committee  of  their 
body  should  confer  with  the  executive  council,  and  if  it 
should  appear  to  the  committee,  that  the  state  of  Penn- 
sylvania ought  not  to  take  measures  to  support  the  dig- 
nity of  the  federal  government,  the  president  should 
summon  the  Congress  to  meet  on  Thursday  the  26th, 
at  Princeton  or  Trenton.  The  secretary  of  war  was 
also  directed  to  communicate  to  the  commander  in 
chief  the  state  and  disposition  of  the  mutineers. 

2.  On  receiving  information  of  this  disgraceful  out- 
rage, Washington  immediately  despatched  Major  Gen- 
eral Howe,  with  fifteen  hundred  men,  to  quell  the  muti- 
neers, and  punish  the  most  guilty  of  them.  Before  his 
arrival,  however,  they  had  dispersed  without  bloodshed. 
Several  were  brought  to  trial,  two  were  condemned  to 
death,  and  four  others  to  receive  corporal  punishment. 

3.  On  this  occasion,  General  Washington  addressed 
the  president  of  Congress  in  very  feeling  and  eloquent 
language  : 

1.  What  of  Congress  ?  Secretary  of  war  ?  2.  Who  did  Washing 
ton  send  to  quell  the  mutineers  ?     Punishment  of  the  mutineers  ? 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  133 

"While  I  suffer  the  most  poignant  distress  in  ob- 
serving that  a  handful  of  men,  contemptible  in  num- 
bers, and  equally  so  in  point  of  service,  if  the  veteran 
troops  from  the  southward  have  not  been  seduced  by 
their  example,  and  who  are  not  worthy  to  be  called 
soldiers,  should  disgrace  themselves  and  their  country, 
as  the  Pennsylvania  mutineers  have  done,  by  insulting 
the  sovereign  authority  of  the  United  States  and  that 
of  their  own  ;  I  feel  an  inexpressible  satisfaction,  that 
even  this  behavior  cannot  stain  the  name  of  the  Amer- 
ican soldiery. 

4.  "  It  cannot  be  imputable  to,  or  reflect  dishonor 
on,  the  army  at  large,  but,  on  the  contrary,  it  will,  by 
the  striking  contrast  it  exhibits,  hold  up  to  public  view 
the  other  troops  in  the  most  advantageous  point  of 
light.  On  taking  all  the  circumstances  into  consider- 
ation, I  cannot  sufficiently  express  my  surprise  and  in- 
dignation at  the  arrogance,  the  folly,  and  the  wicked- 
ness of  the  mutineers ;  nor  can  I  sufficiently  admire 
the  fidelity,  the  bravery  and  patriotism  which  must 
forever  signalize  the  unsullied  character  of  the  other 
corps  of  our  army. 

5.  "  For  when  we  consider  that  these  Pennsylvania 
levies,  who  have  now  mutinied,  are  recruits,  and 
soldiers  of  a  day,  who  have  not  borne  the  heat  and 
burden  of  war,  and  who  can  have  in  reality  very  few 
hardships  to  complain  of;  and  when  we  at  the  same 
time  recollect  that  those  soldiers,  who  have  lately  been 
furloughed  from  this  army,  are  the  veterans  who  have 

3.  Letler  of  Washington  to  the  president  of  Congress  ? 


134  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

patiently  endured  hunger,  nakedness  and  cold ;  who 
have  suffered  and  bled  without  a  murmur,  and  who, 
with  perfect  good  order,  have  retired  to  their  homes, 
without  a  settlement  of  their  accounts,  or  a  farthing  of 
money  in  their  pockets, — we  shall  be  as  much  astonish- 
ed at  the  virtues  of  the  latter,  as  we  are  struck  with 
horror  and  detestation  at  the  proceedings  of  the 
former." 

6.  On  the  second  of  November,  1783,  General 
Washington  issued  his  farewell  orders  to  the  armies  of 
the  United  States.  After  noticing  a  recent  proclama- 
tion of  Congress,  he  observed  that  it  only  remained  to 
address  himself  for  the  last  time  to  the  armies  of  the 
United  States,  and  to  bid  them  an  affectionate  fare- 
well. He  remarked  upon  the  circumstances  under 
which  the  war  was  begun  ;  the  signal  interpositions  of 
Providence  in  their  behalf ;  and  their  unparalleled  per- 
severance through  eight  years  of  every  possible  suffer 
ing  and  discouragement. 

7.  His  closing  words  were — "  Your  general  being 
now  to  conclude  these  his  last  public  orders,  to  take 
his  ultimate  leave,  in  a  short  time,  of  the  military  char- 
acter, and  to  bid  adieu  to  the  armies  he  has  so  long 
had  the  honor  to  command,  he  can  only  again  offer  in 
their  behalf  his  recommendations  to  their  grateful  coun 
try,  and  his  prayers  to  the  God  of  armies.  May  ample 
justice  be  done  to  them  here,  and  may  the  choicest  of 
Heaven's  favors,  both  here  and  hereafter,  attend  those, 

6.  What  did  Washington  do  in  the  latter  part  of  the  year  1783  ? 
7    Repeat  the  closing  words  of  Washington's  address  to  the  army. 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  135 

who,  under  the  divine  auspices,  have  secured  innu- 
merable blessings  for  others  !  With  these  wishes,  and 
this  benediction,  the  commander  in  chief  is  about  to 
retire  from  service.  The  curtain  of  separation  will 
soon  be  drawn,  and  the  military  scene,  to  him,  will  be 
closed  forever." 

8.  The  treaty  of  peace  was  signed  on  the  twenty- 
third  of  September,  and  a  proclamation  was  issued  by 
Congress  to  disband  the  army.  Painful,  indeed,  was 
the  parting.  The  old  soldiers,  who  had  been  sharers 
for  seven  years  in  privation  and  suffering,  were  to  sep- 
arate under  circumstances  of  the  most  distressing  char- 
acter. They  were  poor,  without  money  or  employ- 
ment, and  many  with  no  other  prospect  than  that  of 
painful  dependence  or  miserable  penury. 

9.  Though  their  whole  military  life  had  been  a 
scene  of  want  and  wretchedness,  it  had  sometimes 
been  chequered  with  splendid  triumphs,  or  at  any  rate 
had  been  throughout  supported  by  an  anxious  excite- 
ment. That  excitement  was  now  past,  for  the  object 
of  their  labors  and  sacrifices,  the  liberty  of  their  com- 
mon country,  had  been  obtained.  The  glorious  hope, 
that  gleamed  continually  before  their  eyes  in  the  bat- 
tles of  the  revolution,  had  been  changed  into  a  glo- 
rious certainty,  by  the  declaration  of  peace  :  and  now 
that  the  wrongs  and  sufferings  of  their  country  had 
been  vindicated,  their  thoughts  were  naturally  concen- 
trated upon  their  own  personal  situation. 

8.  Peace  7  Proclamatior  ?  Feelings  r  F  the  soldiers  ?  9.  What  of 
their  militarv  life  ? 


136  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

10.  There  were  sorrow  and  suffering,  want  and 
wretchedness,  but  no  tumult,  no  mutiny,  no  disorder 
Thev  vvould  not  end  a  succession  of  generous  sacri- 
fices by  a  violation  of  their  faith  and  their  duty ;  but 
determined  to  abandon  their  rights,  rather  than  resort 
to  force  to  recover  them. 

1 1 .  The  British  army  evacuated  New  York  in  No- 
vember, and  the  American  troops,  under  General  Knox, 
took  possession  of  the  city.  Soon  after,  General  Wash- 
ington and  Governor  Clinton,  with  their  suite,  made 
their  public  entry  into  the  city  on  horseback,  followed 
by  a  procession  of  civil  and  military  officers,  and  a 
large  number  of  citizens.  The  governor  made  a  public 
dinner,  and  general  festivity  reigned  throughout  the 
city. 

12.  This  was  followed,  a  day  or  two  afterwards,  by 
an  elegant  entertainment,  given  by  the  governor  to  the 
French  ambassador,  the  Chevalier  de  la  Luzerne. 
General  Washington,  the  principal  officers  of  New 
York  state  and  of  the  army,  and  upwards  of  a  hun- 
dred other  gentlemen,  were  present.  Splendid  fire- 
works were  exhibited  at  the  Bowling  Green  in  Broad- 
way, much  superior  to  any  thing  of  the  kind  ever  be 
fore  seen  kf  the  United  States.  They  commenced  by 
a  dove  descending  with  the  olive  branch  and  setting 
fire  to  a  battery. 

13.  While  contemplating  a  final  separation  of  the 

10.  Feelings  and  conduct  of  the  soldiers  1  11.  What  of  the  British 
army  1  American  troops  1  Describe  the  entry  into  the  city  of  New 
York.      12    Describe  the  entertainment  given  by  the  governor. 


I    FE  OF  WASHINGTON.  137 

officers  of  the  army,  there  was  room  for  the  exercise  of 
the  tenderest  feelings  of  the  heart.  It  was  at  the  sug- 
gestion of  General  Knox  that  an  expedient  was  de- 
vised to  perpetuate  their  friendly  intercourse.  This 
was  by  means  of  a  society,  composed  of  the  officers  of 
the  army,  and  called,  after  the  illustrious  Roman,  the 
Society  of  the  Cincinnati.  Of  this  society  General 
Washington  officiated  as  president  until  his  death. 

14.  On  Tuesday  noon,  the  fourth  of  December,  the 
principal  officers  of  the  army  assembled  at  Francis's 
tavern  to  take  a  final  leave  of  their  beloved  commander 
in  chief.  When  Washington  entered  the  room,  his 
emotions  were  too  strong  to  be  repressed  or  concealed 
Filling  a  glass,  he  turned  to  the  surrounding  officers 
and  said — "  With  a  heart  full  of  love  and  gratitude,  1 
now  take  leave  of  you.  I  most  devoutly  wish  that 
your  latter  days  may  be  as  prosperous  and  happy  as 
your  former  ones  have  been  glorious  and  honorable." 

15.  Having  drank,  he  added,  "  I  cannot  come  to 
each  of  you  to  take  my  leave,  but  shall  be  obliged  to 
you,  if  each  of  you  will  come  and  take  me  by  the 
hand."  General  Knox,  being  nearest,  turned  to  him. 
Washington,  in  tears,  grasped  his  hand,  embraced  and 
kissed  him.  In  the  same  manner  he  took  leave  of 
each  succeeding  officer,  Lincoln,  and  Greene,  and  La- 
fayette, and  the  other  virtuous  and  valiant  men  with 
.vhom  he  had   been  connected  in  hours  of  peril  and 

13.  What  society  was  formed?  14.  What  was  done  on  the  4th  ol 
December  ?  What  did  Washington  say  to  the  -(('fleers  ?  15.  In  what 
manlier  did  he  take  Ir-ave  of  them  ? 

12* 


'38 


LIFE  or  warily;  ;t<>.\ 


-     V 


Washington  taking  leave  of  his  Officers. 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  139 

darkness,  to  be  rewarded  with  endless  gratitude  and 
glory. 

16.  Every  eye  was  moistened  with  tears.  Not  a 
word  was  spoken  to  interrupt  the  silent  solemnity  of 
the  parting.  Leaving  the  room,  Washington  passed 
hrough  the  corps  of  light  infantry,  and  walked  to 
Whitehall,  where  a  coach  was  in  waiting  to  receive 
him.  The  whole  company  followed  in  mute  proces- 
sion, with  sad  and  dejected  countenances.  On  enter- 
ing the  barge,  he  turned  to  his  companions,  and,  wav- 
ing his  hat,  bade  them  a  silent  farewell.  They  paid 
him  a  similar  mark  of  respect  and  affection,  and,  when 
they  could  no  longer  distinguish  in  the  barge  the  per- 
con  of  their  beloved  commander,  returned,  in  the  same 
solemn  manner,  to  the  place  where  they  had  first  as- 
sembled. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

Anecdote  of  Baron  de  Steuben.  A  Whale  or  an  Eel  ?  Hie 
Dwarf  of  Tatawa  Falls.  General  Gate*.  Amusing 
Spleen  of  Oenerai  Lee.  General  Knox.  Washington's 
Opinion  of  General  Greene.  General  Lincoln.  Marquis 
de  la  Fayette.  Congress  express  their  Respect  for  him. 
His  Reply. 

1.  The  estimation  in   which  General  Washington 
held  the  chief  associates  of  his  labors,  is  well  known. 


16.  Describe  the  departure  of  the  commander  in  chief. 


140  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

He  entertained  for  most  of  them  the  highest  esteem  and 
aifection.  With  the  exception  of  his  difficulties  with 
Gates  and  Lee,  and  the  officers  connected  wiUi  the  at- 
cemot  to  supplant  him  in  command,  there  were  but 
few  circumstances  to  mar  the  most  perfect  harmony  in 
his  intercourse  with  the  general  officers. 

2.  We  have  taken  a  chapter  in  this  place  to  collect 
a  few  miscellaneous  anecdotes  that  occurred  during 
this  intercourse.  No  order  has  been  chosen  for  their 
arrangement,  as  they  are  trifling  incidents,  which  it  is 
difficult  to  refer  to  any  particular  period. 

3.  Baron  de  Steuben  was  a  very  useful  and  valiant 
officer,  and  possessed  the  entire  confidence  of  Wash- 
ington. Though  never  perfect  master  of  our  language, 
he  understood  and  spoke  it  with  considerable  accura- 
cy. He  would  sometimes,  however,  for  his  amuse- 
ment, purposely  mistake  and  misuse  words. 

4.  He  was  dining  one  day  at  head  quarters,  when 
Mrs.  Washington  asked  him  what  entertainments  he 
had  recourse  to,  now  that  the  peace  had  relaxed  his 
active  employments.  "  I  read,  my  lady,  and  write,  and 
play  chess,  and  yesterday,  for  the  first  time,  I  went 
a  fishing.  My  gentleman  told  me  it  was  a  very  fine 
business  to  catch  fish,  and  I  did  not  know  but  this  new 
trade  might,  by  and  by,  be  useful  to  me — but  I  fear  I 
never  can  succeed.  I  sat  in  the  boat  three  hours  ;  it 
was  exceedingly  warm,  and  I  caught  only  two  fish  ; 
they  told  me  it  was  fine  sport  " 

I.  What  of  the  intercourse  between  Washington  and  his  officers  ? 
3.  Relate  tlis  anetvlde  ef  Baron  do  SipiiN»ii 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  141 

5.  "  What  kind  offish  did  you  take,  baron  ?"  asked 
Mrs.  Washington.  "1  am  not  sure,  my  lady,  but  I 
believe  one  of  them  was  a  whale."  "  A  whale,  baron, 
in  the  North  river?"  "  Yes,  I  assure  you,  a  very  fine 
whale,  my  lady  ; — it  was  a  whale,  was  it  not?"  appeal- 
ing to  one  of  his  aids.  "  An  eel,  baron."  "  I  beg 
your  pardon,  my  lady,  but  that  gentleman  certainty 
told  me  it  was  a  whale."  Now  that  his  mind  was  at  ease, 
General  Washington  enjoyed  this  pleasantry  highly. 

6.  At  Tatawa  falls,  the  commander  in  chief  had 
visited  a  miserable  and  deformed  dwarf,  who  had  lain 
in  his  cradle  for  twenty-seven  years.  His  head  was 
eighteen  inches  in  length,  and  the  rest  of  his  body 
twenty-seven  inches.  Among  other  questions,  his  ex- 
cellency asked  him  whether  he  was  a  whig  or  a  tory. 
He  answered,  as  he  had  been  taught,  "  that  he  had 
never  taken  an  active  part  on  either  side." 

7.  A  gentleman  and  lady,  who  had  been  rather  too 
friendly  to  the  British,  after  the  declaration  of  peace 
came  out  from  New  York,  and  resided  in  the  neighs 
borhood  of  Baron  de  Steuben.  They  were  invited  to 
dine  with  General  Washington  and  his  lady,  at  this 
officer's  table.  "  It  is  proper,"  said  the  baron  to  his 
excellency,  "  that   you  should  be   apprized  that  Mr. 

and  his  lady,  from  New  York,  are   to  dine  with 

me ;  and  perhaps,  sir,  you  may  not  choose  to  meet  Mr. 

."      "  Oh,  baron,"  said   the  general,    laughing, 

"  there  is  no  difficulty  on  that  point.     Mr. is  very 

6.  Anecdote  of  the  dwarf  ?    7.  What  application  duJ  Washington 
make  of  the  dwarf's  answer  7 


142  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

like  the  big-headed  boy  at  Tatawa ;  he  has  never  taken 
an  active  part." 

8.  There  is  no  question  but  that  a  plot  was  at  one 
lieriod  formed,  to  wres-t  the  chief  authority  from  Wash- 
ington, and  bestow  it  upon  General  Gates.  After  the 
ill  success  of  this  officer  in  the  southern  department, 
he  was  displaced  from  his  command  by  the  order  of 
Congress,  and  his  conduct  submitted  to  the  inquiry  of 
a  court-martial.     It  resulted,  however,  in  his  acquittal. 

9.  Shortly  after  the  receipt  of  despatches,  stating 
that  the  command  of  the  southern  army  had  been  trans- 
ferred to  General  Greene,  a  gentleman  had  occasion 
to  call  upon  General  Gates.  He  found  him  traversing 
the  apartment,  in  extreme  agitation,  with  the  late  de- 
spatches open  upon  the  table.  His  countenance  be- 
trayed no  anger  or  resentment,  but  was  glowing  with 
sensibility. 

10.  A  letter  in  his  hand  was  frequently  raised  to  his 
lips  and  kissed  with  devotion,  while  he  exclaimed  with 
fervor — "  Great  man  !  Noble,  generous  procedure  !" 
When  his  excitement  had  been  somewhat  subdued,  he 
related,  with  great  feeling,  the  cause  of  his  emotion. 

11.  "I  have  received  this  day  a  communication  from 
the  commander  in  chief,  which  has  conveyed  more 
consolation  to  my  bosom,  more  ineffable  delight  to  my 
heart,  than  I  had  believed  it  possible  for  it  ever  to  have 
felt  again.  With  affectionate  tenderness  he  sympa- 
thizes with  me  on  the  loss  I  have  sustained  by  the  re- 

8.  What  of  a  plot  ?     9.  Anecdote  of  General  Gates  ? 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  113 

cent  death  of  an  only  son  ;  and  then,  with  peculiar  del- 
icacy, lamenting  my  misfortune  in  battle,  assures  me 
that  his  confidence  in  my  zeal  and  capacity  is  so  little 
impaired,  that  the  command  of  the  right  wing  of  the 
army  will  be  bestowed  on  me  so  soon  as  I  can  make  it 
convenient  to  join  him." 

12.  General  Charles  Lee  was  a  man  of  brilliant  tal- 
ents and  extensive  military  knowledge.  He  was,  how- 
ever, very  coarse  and  satirical,  and  incessant  in  a  base 
detraction  of  the  commander  in  chief.  In  reference 
to  these  calumnies,  General  Washington  said,  in  a  let- 
ter to  a  friend — "  What  cause  is  there  for  such  a  pro- 
fusion of  venom  as  he  is  emitting  on  all  occasions  ? — 
A  simple  narration  of  facts  would  defeat  all  his  asser- 
tions, notwithstanding  they  are  made  with  an  effront- 
ery which  few  men  do,  and,  for  the  honor  of  human  na- 
ture, ought  to  possess." 

13.  An  amusing  specimen  of  his  coarse  spleen  is  re- 
lated by  Dr.  Thacher.  In  the  year  1776,  when  the 
army  lay  at  White  Plains,  General  Lee  resided  near 
the  road  frequently  passed  by  the  commander  in  chief, 
who,  one  day,  with  his  aids,  called  and  took  dinner. 
After  they  had  departed,  Lee  said  to  his  aids,  "  You 
must  look  me  out  other  quarters,  or  I  shall  have  Wash- 
ington and  his  puppies  calling  till  they  eat  me  up." 
The  next  day,  he  ordered  his  servant  to  write  with 
chalk  on  the  door,  "  No  victuals  cooked  here  to-day." 

11.  What  did  Washing-ton  say  of  General  Lee  ?    Relate  the  ariec 
dote  of  General  Lee. 


144  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

The  company,  seeing  the  hint  on  the  door,  passed  on 
without  molesting  him  by  a  visit. 

14.  One  of  the  most  intimate  and  confidential  friends 
of  Washington  was  General  Knox.  He  was  in  early 
life  a  bookseller  in  Boston,  and  was  one  of  the  first  to 
take  up  arms  against  the  British.  From  a  very  bold 
and  important  enterprise  which  he  performed  in  the 
early  stages  of  the  wai  he  received  a  most  flattering 
testimony  of  approbation  from  the  commander  in  chief 
and  from  Congress,  and  was  appointed  to  the  command 
of  the  artillery.  In  this  command  he  continued  through 
the  revolution. 

15.  In  every  field  of  battle  where  Washington 
fought,  Knox  was  by  his  side.  During  the  whole  war 
he  retained  his  entire  confidence  and  esteem  ;  and 
parted,  at  the  close  of  it,  with  his  matured  friendship 
and  affection.  To  the  last  moment  of  his  life,  his  let- 
ters contain  frequent  evidence  of  his  undiminished  « 
fondness. 

16.  Of  General  Greene,  the  following  testimony  is 
borne  in  a  letter  from  Washington  :  "  There  is  no  of- 
ficer in  the  army  more  sincerely  attached  to  the  inter- 
ests of  his  country  than  General  Greene.  Could  he 
but  promote  these  interests  in  the  character  of  a  corpo- 
ral, he  would  exchange,  without  a  murmur,  his  epau- 
lette for  the  knot.  For,  although  he  is  not  without 
ambition,  that  ambition  has  not  for  its  object  the  high- 
est rank  so  much  as  the  greatest  good." 

17.  General  Lincoln  was  an  early  advocate  for  the 

14.  WliatofKnox?    16.  Washington's  opinion  of  General  Greene? 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  145 

rights  of  his  country,  and  was  appointed  to  his  highest 
military  command  at  the  recommendation  of  Washing- 
ton. He  was  a  man  of  quick  and  active  mind,  with  a 
large  fund  of  knowledge,  obtained  both  from  books  and 
observation.  As  a  military  commander,  he  was  brave, 
judicious  and  indefatigable.  He  was  of  middle  height, 
erect,  broad-chested,  and  muscular.  His  manners 
were  courteous  but  unaffected. 

18.  The  name  of  Lafayette  occupies  a  most  dis- 
tinguished place  in  our  revolutionary  history.  At  the 
early  age  of  nineteen,  he  appeared  in  the  cause  of  lib- 
erty, and  soon  acquired  the  confidence  of  the  Ameri- 
can people  and  the  well  deserved  friendship  of  Wash- 
ington. He  was  so  distinguished  by  the  regard  of  the 
commander  in  chief,  that  it  became  usual  to  call  him 
his  adopted  son.  The  language  in  which  Washington 
spoke  of  him  was, — "  This  nobleman  unites  to  all  the 
military  fire  of  youth  an  uncommon  maturity  of  judg- 
ment." 

19.  When  the  marquis,  in  1784,  was  about  to  take 
his  departure  from  America,  Congress  appointed  a 
committee  of  their  body  to  take  leave  of  him  in  a  man- 
ner that  would  express  their  respect  for  his  character, 
and  gratitude  for  his  services.  They  resolved,  also,  that 
a  letter  should  be  written  to  the  king  of  France,  indi- 
cating their  high  opinion  of  his  zeal,  talents  and  meri- 
torious services,  and  recommending  him  to  the  favor 
and  patronage  of  his  majesty. 

17.  General  Lincoln  ?  10.  Lafayette?  Washington's  opinion  of 
liim  ?     19.  What  did  Congress  do  ? 

13  G 


146  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

20.  The  marquis  made  a  very  respectful  and  aflec 
tionate  reply.  He  expressed  the  feelings  of  a  heart 
devoted  to  the  interests  of  our  rising  country,  and  ac- 
knowledged with  gratitude  that,  when  an  inexperienced 
youth,  he  had  been  favored  with  the  paternal  adop- 
tion of  his  respected  friend.  In  conclusion  he  ob- 
served : 

21.  "May  this  immense  temple  of  freedom  ever 
stand  as  a  lesson  to  oppressors,  an  example  to  the  op- 
pressed, a  sanctuary  for  the  rights  of  mankind  ;  and 
may  these  happy  United  States  attain  that  complete 
splendor  and  prosperity,  which  will  illustrate  the  bless- 
ings of  their  government,  and  for  ages  to  come  rejoice 
the  departed  souls  of  its  founders.  Never  can  Con- 
gress oblige  me  so  much  as  when  they  put  it  in  my 
power,  in  every  part  of  the  world,  to  the  latest  day  of 
my  life,  to  gratify  the  attachment  which  will  ever  rank 
me  among  the  most  zealous  and  respectful  servants  of 
the  United  State?-" 


#b   Reply  of  Lafayette  ? 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  147 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

Washington's  Resignation.  Address  to  Congress.  Mount 
Vernon.     Calling  of  a  Convention.     Washington  elected 

-  President.  Passage  to  New  York.  Decoration  of  Grafs 
Bridge.  Triumphal  Arch  at  Trenton.  Landing  at 
New  York.     Ceremonies  of  Inauguration. 

1.  On  the  disbanding  of  the  army,  Washington  pro 
ceeded  to  Annapolis,  then  the  seat  of  Congress,  to  re- 
sign his  commission.  On  his  way  thither,  he  deliver- 
ed to  the  comptroller  of  accounts  at  Philadelphia,  an 
account  of  his  receipts  and  expenditures  of  public 
money.  The  whole  amount  that  had  passed  through  his 
hands  was  only  i£14,479  18s.  9d.  sterling.  Nothing 
was  charged  or  retained  for  his  own  services. 

2.  The  resignation  of  his  command  was  done  in  a 
public  audience.  Congress  received  him  as  the  guar- 
dian of  his  country  and  her  liberties.  He  appeared 
there  under  the  most  affecting  circumstances.  The 
battles  of  a  glorious  war  had  been  fought,  since  he  first 
appeared  before  them  to  accept,  with  a  becoming  mod- 
esty, the  command  of  their  armies.  Now  the  eyes  of 
a  whole  nation  were  upon  him,  and  the  voices  of  a  lib- 
erated people  proclaimed  him  their  preserver 

3.  His  resignation  was  then  communicated,  in  th' 
following  address,  to  the  president  of  Congress  : 

"  Mr.  President, 

"  The  great  events  on   which  my  resignation  de- 

1.  What  account  did  Washington  give  to  the  comptroller  at  Phila- 
delphia ?     2.  "What  of  Congress  ?     Washing-ton  ? 


148  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

pended  having  at  length  taken  place,  I  have  now  the 
honor  of  offering  my  sincere  congratulations  to  Con- 
gress, and  of  presenting  myself  before  them  to  surren- 
der into  their  hands  the  trust  committed  to  me,  and  to 
claim  the  indulgence  of  retiring  from  the  service  of  my 
country. 

4.  "  Happy  in  the  confirmation  of  our  independence 
and  sovereignty,  and  pleased  with  the  opportunity  af- 
forded the  United  States  of  becoming  a  respectable  na- 
tion, I  resign  with  satisfaction  the  appointment  I  ac- 
cepted with  diffidence  ;  a  diffidence  in  my  abilities  to 
accomplish  so  arduous  a  task,  which,  however,  was  su- 
perseded by  a  confidence  in  the  rectitude  of  our  cause, 
the  support  of  the  supreme  power  of  the  Union,  and 
the  patronage  of  Heaven. 

5.  "While  I  repeat  my  obligations  to  the  army  in 
general,  I  should  do  injustice  to  my  own  feelings,  not 
to  acknowledge,  in  this  place,  the  peculiar  services  and 
distinguished  merits  of  the  persons  who  have  been  at- 
tached to  my  person  during  the  war.  It  was  impossi- 
ble the  choice  of  confidential  officers  to  compose  my 
family  should  have  been  more  fortunate.  Permit  me, 
sir,  to  recommend,  in  particular,  those  who  have  con- 
tinued in  the  service  to  the  present  moment,  as  worthy 
of  the  favorable  notice  and  patronage  of  Congress. 

0.  "  I  consider  it  as  an  indispensable  duty  to  close 
this  last  solemn  act  of  my  official  life,  by  commending 
the  interests  of  our  dearest  country  to  the  protection 

3.  Repeat  Washington's  address  to  the  president  of  Congress. 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  1-iJi 

of  Almighty  God,  and  those  who  have  the  superintend- 
ence of  them  to  his  holy  keeping. 

7.  "  Having  now  finished  the  work  assigned  me,  I 
retire  from  the  great  theatre  of  action ;  and,  bidding  an 
affectionate  farewell  to  this  august  body,  under  whose 
orders  I  have  long  acted,  I  here  offer  my  commission, 
and  take  leave  of  all  the  employments  of  public  life." 

8.  -This  address  being  ended,  General  Washington 
advanced,  and  delivered  his  commission  into  the  hands 
of  the  president  of  Congress,  who  received  it  and  made 
an  appropriate  reply.  Having  thus,  of  his  own  accord, 
become  one  of  the  people,  the  American  chief  hasten- 
ed to  his  delightful  residence  at  Mount  Vernon.  He 
here  devoted  himself  to  those  quiet  enjoyments,  which 
the  soldier  and  statesman  must  in  vain  look  for  among 
the  cares  of  crowded  life.  His  time  was  diligentlv 
given  to  the  pursuits  of  agriculture,  ?nd  the  improve- 
ment of  inland  navigation. 

9.  His  time,  however,  was  not  long  to  be  his  own 
The  situation  of  his  country,  even  in  a  victorious  peace, 
was  such  as  to  demand  the  continued  services  of  every 
patriot.  The  state  of  public  credit,  the  depreciation 
of  property,  the  want  of  gold  and  silver,  the  weakness 
of  the  general  government,  for  the  first  five  or  six  years 
after  the  termination  of  war,  continually  darkened  the 
prospects  of  our  nation. 

10.  A  proposition  was  finally  made  by  Virginia,  for 

8.  What  followed  t'r.c  address  ?  Where  did  Washington  then  re- 
lire?  His  occupation  ?  9.  Situation  of  the  country?  10.  What  of 
Virginia  ? 

13  s 


150  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

electing  deputies  from  each  state  to  a  general  conven- 
tion, solely  for  the  purpose  of  revising  the  federal  sys- 
tem of  government.  In  this  body  Washington  repre- 
sented his  native  state,  and  when  the  convention  met 
at  Philadelphia,  he  was  unanimously  elected  their  pres- 
ident. On  the  seventeenth  of  September,  1787,  they 
closed  their  labors,  and  submitted  the  result  to  Con- 
gress 

11.  The  constitution  which  they  framed  having 
been  accepted  by  eleven  states,  and  preparatory  meas- 
ures having  been  taken  to  carry  it  into  operation,  all 
eyes  were  turned  to  Washington,  as  the  man  to  fill  the 
first  presidency  of  the  United  States.  It.  was  not  his 
desire  to  leave  the  retirement  which  he  loved,  for  the 
tumult  and  cares  of  public  office  ;  his  acceptance  of 
the  power  offered  to  him  was  from  a  sense  of  duty,  and 
a  real  sacrifice  of  his  inclination. 

12.  The  election  of  General  Washington  to  the 
presidency  was  announced  to  him  at  Mount  Vernon, 
on  the  fourteenth  of  April,  1789.  On  the  second  day 
after  receiving  this  notice,  he  set  out  for  New  York. 
On  his  way  there,  the  road  was  thronged  with  crowds 
to  look  upon  and  bless  him.  Escorts  of  militia  and 
private  gentlemen  of  the  first  character,  attended  him 
from  state  to  state.  Addresses  of  congratulation  were 
presented  to  him  from  every  side,  and  his  whole  jour- 
ney was  like  an  ancient  triumph. 

To  what  office  was  Washington  chosen  ?  11.  What  of  the  consti- 
tution ?  Feelings  of  Washington  ?  12.  Where  was  his  election  made 
known  to  him  1 


iAYl.  <;!•'  V."A:-!iL?,^'J'0:*, 


161 


Washington  entering  Trenton. 


A-52  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

18.  Gray's  bridge  over  the  Schuylkill  was  beautiful- 
ly decorated  for  his  passage  with  laurels  and  ever- 
greens. At  each  end  of  it  splendid  arches  were  erect- 
ed, composed  of  laurels,  and  on  each  side  was  a  laurel 
shrubbery.  As  Washington  passed  the  bridge,  a  boy 
from  above  dropped  a  crown  of  laurel  upon  his  brows. 
An  immense  throng  of  citizens  lined  the  road  from  the 
Schuylkill  to  Philadelphia.  Through  these  he  was 
conducted  to  the  city.  An  elegant  entertainment  was 
there  provided,  and  was  succeeded  in  the  evening  by 
a  display  of  fireworks. 

14.  When  Washington  crossed  the  Delaware,  and 
.andedon  the  Jersey  shore,  he  was  saluted  with  three 
cheers  by  the  assembled  inhabitants.  When  he  came 
to  the  brow  of  the  hill  on  his  way  to  Trenton,  he  again 
passed  through  a  triumphal  arch  ornamented  with  lau- 
rels and  flowers.  On  the  crown  of  it  was  displayed,  in 
large  characters,  "December  26th,  1776."  On  the 
sweep  of  the  arch  beneath  was  inscribed,  "  The  De- 
fender of  the  Mothers  will  also  protect  the  Daughters." 

15.  On  the  north  side,  he  was  met  by  a  number  of 
female  children,  dressed  in  white,  with  baskets  of 
flowers  on  their  arms,  and  garlands  on  their  heads. 
In  the  second  row  stood  the  young  women,  and  behind 
them  the  married  ladies,  of  the  vicinity.  As  he  passed 
the  arch,  the  children  began  to  sing  the  following  ode. 

16.  "Welcome,  mighty  Chief!  once  more 

Welcome  to  this  grateful  shore. 

What  account  is  given  of  Washington's  journey  into  New  York  ? 
16-  Repeat  the  ode  to  Washington  sung  by  the  children. 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  153 

Now  no  mercenary  foe 
Aims  again  the  fatal  blow, 
Aims  at  thee  the  fatal  blow. 
Virgins  fair,  and  matrons  grave — 
These  thy  conquering  arm  did  save, — 
Build  for  thee  triumphal  bowers  : 
Strew,  ye  fair,  his  way  with  flowers  ; 
Strew  your  hero's  way  with  flowers." 

17.  While  singing  the  last  lines,  they  strewed  the 
flowers  in  the  path  of  their  great  deliverer.  How  dif- 
ferent his  feelings  from  those  experienced  a  few  years 
before  upon  the  same  spot !  Then  all  was  depression 
and  sadness,  now  all  joy  and  triumph. 

18.  He  was  rowed  across  the  bay  to  New  York  by 
thirteen  pilots  in  an  elegant  barge.  All  the  vessels  in 
the  harbor  hoisted  their  flags.  On  his  landing,  he  was 
received  and  congratulated  by  the  governor  of  the 
state  and  officers  of  the  corporation.  He  was  conduct- 
ed to  the  house  which  had  been  prepared  for  his  re- 
ception, followed  by  a  procession  of  militia  in  their  uni- 
forms, and  a  large  number  of  citizens.  In  the  evening 
the  houses  of  the  inhabitants  were  brilliantly  illumi- 
nated. 

19.  A  day  was  fixed,  soon  after  his  arrival,  for  his 
taking  the  oath  of  office.  It  was  in  the  following 
words  :  "  I  do  solemnly  swear,  that  I  will  faithfully  ex- 
ecute the  office  of  president  of  the  United  States  ;  and 
will,  to  the  best  of  my  ability,  preserve,  protect  and  de- 
ls. How  did  Washington  cross  New  York  Bay  1    How  was  he  -e- 

i.-ived  at  New  York  ?     19.  Repeat  (he  oath  of  office. 

G2 


1">4  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON 

feud  the  constitution  of  the  United  States."  On  this 
occasion  he  was  wholly  clothed  in  garments  of  Ameri- 
can manufacture. 

20.  In  the  morning,  the  different  congregations  as- 
sembled in  their  respective  places  of  worship,  and  of- 
fered up  prayers  for  the  president  and  people  of  the 
United  States.  About  noon,  a  procession  moved  from 
the  president's  house  to  Federal  Hall.  When  they 
came  within  a  short  distance  of  the  hall,  the  troops 
formed  a  line  on  both  sides  of  the  way,  through  which, 
accompanied  by  the  vice-president,  Mr.  John  Adams, 
Washington  passed  into  the  senate  chamber. 

21.  Immediately  after,  with  the  two  houses  of  Con- 
gress, he  went  into  a  gallery  fronting  on  Broad  street, 
and,  before  an  immense  throng  of  citizens,  took  the 
oath  prescribed  by  the  constitution.  It  was  adminis- 
tered by  Mr.  Livingston,  the  chancellor  of  the  state  of 
New  York.  A  solemn  silence  prevailed  during  the 
ceremony.  The  chancellor  then  proclaimed  him  pres- 
ident of  the  United  States.  This  was  answered  by  the 
discharge  of  cannon,  and  the  joyful  shouts  of  assem- 
bled thousands.  The  president  bowed  most  respectful- 
ly to  the  people,  and  retired  to  the  senate  chamber  in 
the  midst  of  their  acclamations. 

22.  After  delivering  an  address  to  Congress  and  re- 
ceiving their  reply,  the  president  attended  divine  ser- 
vice in  their  company.     In  the  evening  there  was  a 

How  was  Washington  clothed  on  this  occasion  ?  20.  What  follow- 
ed in  the  morning  ?  21.  By  whom  was  the  oath  of  office  administer- 
ed to  Washington  ?  What  followed  the  proclamation  ?  22.  Wha. 
took  place  in  the  evening  ? 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  155 

ery  ingenious  and  brilliant  exhibition  of  fireworks.  A 
transparent  painting  was  displayed,  in  the  centre  of 
which  was  the  portrait  of  the  president,  represented 
under  the  image  of  Fortitude.  On  his  right  hand  was 
Justice  and  on  his  left  Wisdom  ;  emblematic  of  the 
senate  and  house  of  representatives.  Thus  concluded 
the  ceremonies  of  the  first  presidential  inauguration. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

Slate  of  Foreign  Affairs.  Peace  made  with  the  Creek  In- 
dians. War  between  France  and  Great  Britain.  Wash- 
ington retires  from  Office.  Denies  the  Authorship  of  cer- 
tain Letters.  Mr.  Adams  inaugurated.  Difficulties  with 
France.  Commander  in  Chief.  His  Letter  to  Congress. 
Peaceful  Arrangements.     Death  of  Washington. 

1.  When  Washington  commenced  his  administra- 
tion, the  situation  of  the  United  States  was  highly  crit- 
ical.  There  were  no  funds  in  the  treasury,  and  large 
debts  were  due  upon  every  side.  The  party  in  oppo- 
sition to  the  new  constitution  was  numerous,  and  sev- 
eral members  of  this  party  had  been  elected  to  seats  in 
the  new  Congress.  Two  of  the  states  for  a  while  re- 
fused to  accept  the  constitution,  and  were,  consequent- 
ly, beyond  the  reach  of  its  power. 

How  did  the  ceremonies  conclude  1 

1.  Situation  of  the  United  States  when  Washington  was  cnosen 
president  ' 


150  LIFE  <5F  WASHINGTON. 

2.  The  relations  of  the  general  government  with 
foreign  nations  were  very  unsettled.  Animosities  broke 
out,  with  considerable  violence,  between  the  United 
States  and  Great  Britain.  Each  charged  the  other 
with  a  violation  of  the  late  treaty  of  peace.  Difficul- 
ties occurred  with  Spain,  in  respect  to  the  navigation 
of  the  Mississippi.  Fifteen  hundred  of  the  northern 
Indians  were  at  open  war  with  the  United  States ;  and 
the  Creeks,  who  could  bring  six  thousand  fighting  men 
into  the  field,  were  at  war  with  Georgia. 

3.  It  was  one  of  the  first  cares  of  Washington  to 
make  peace  with  the  Indians.  Commissioners  were 
sent,  immediately  after  his  inauguration,  to  treat  with 
the  Creek  Indians.  They  met  with  several  chiefs  of 
the  nation,  and  about  two  thousand  men,  at  the  Rock- 
Landing,  on  the  borders  of  Georgia.  Their  efforts  at 
negotiation  failed.     It  was  not  till  the  seventh  of  Au- 

"gust,  1790,  that  the  chiefs  of  this  tribe  were  induced 
to  come  to  New  York,  where  they  concluded  treaties 
of  peace. 

4.  The  arrangement  of  our  European  relations  was 
the  chief  source  of  anxiety  and  trouble  during  the 
presidency  of  Washington.  War  broke  out  between 
France  and  Great  Britain,  and  it  required  all  pru 
dence  and  vigilance  to  preserve  our  neutrality,— 
Many  citizens,  through  gratitude  to  France,  or  an 
overflowing  zeal  in  the  cause  of  liberty,  were  in   fa- 

2.  What  difficulties  existed  ?  3.  What  did  Washington  endeavor 
to  do  ?  When  was  peace  concluded  with  the  Indians  ?  4.  What  was 
the  cause  of  great  anxiety  and  trouMe  7 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  157 

vor  of  our  taking  part  in  these  hostilities.  Washing- 
ton adhered  to  the  maxim  "  that  the  United  States 
would  hold  all  mankind  enemies  in  war,  in  peace 
friends ;"  and  exerted  all  his  influence  and  authority 
to  preserve  the  equality  of  the  balance. 

5.  After  eight  years'  service  in  the  high  office  of 
president,  Washington  announced  his  intention  to  de- 
cline a  re-election.  It  was  the  boast  of  a  Roman  em- 
peror that  he  had  found  Rome  a  city  of  brick,  and  that 
he  left  it  a  city  of  marble.  How  much  more  glorious 
might  be  the  boast  of  Washington — that  he  had  found 
his  country  in  depression  and  distress,  and  left  it  in 
prosperity  and  glory  ! 

G.  His  address  upon  the  occasion  of  declining  a  re- 
election concluded  in  the  following  words  : 

"  The  situation  in  which  I  now  stand,  for  the  last 
time,  in  the  midst  of  the  representatives  of  the  people 
of  the  United  States,  naturally  recalls  the  period  when 
the  administration  of  the  present  form  of  government 
commenced ;  and  I  cannot  omit  the  occasion  to  con- 
gratulate you  and  my  country  on  the  success  of  the  ex- 
periment, nor  to  repeat  my  fervent  supplications  to  the 
Supreme  Ruler  of  the  universe,  and  Sovereign  Arbi- 
ter of  nations,  that  his  providential  care  may  still  be 
extended  to  the  United  States  ;  that  the  virtue  and  hap- 
piness  of  the  people   may  be  preserved  ;  and  that  the 

Efforts  of  Washington  ?  5.  How  long- was  he  president  I  Of  what 
might  lie  boast  ?  6.  Repeat  part  of  his  address  upon  declining  a  re- 
election. 

14 


158  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

government  which  they  have  instituted  for  the  protec- 
tion of  their  liberties  may  be  perpetual." 

7.  On  the  day  preceding  the  termination  of  his  of- 
fice, in  a  letter  to  General  Knox,  he  compared  himself 
to  a  weary  traveller  wno  sees  a  resting  place  and  is 
bending  his  body  thereon.  "  Although  the  prospect 
of  retirement  is  most  grateful  to  my  soul,  and  I  have 
not  a  wish  to  mix  again  in  the  great  world,  or  to  par- 
take in  its  politics,  yet  I  am  not  without  regret  at  part- 
ing with  (perhaps  never  more  to  meet)  the  few  inti- 
mates whom  I  love.  Among  these,  be  assured,  you  are 
one." 

8.  The  numerous  calumnies  which  assailed  him 
never  but  once  drew  forth  his  public  notice.  A  vol- 
ume had  been  published  by  the  British,  in  the  year 
1776,  consisting  of  letters  which  they  attributed  to 
General  Washington.  It  was  the  object  of  this  publi- 
cation to  produce  impressions  unfavorable  to  the  integ- 
rity and  character  of  the  commander  in  chief.  When 
the  first  edition  of  this  forgery  had  been  forgotten,  it 
was  republished,  during  his  presidency,  by  some  citi- 
zens who  differed  from  him  in  politics. 

9.  On  the  morning  of  the  last  day  of  his  office, 
Washington  addressed  a  letter  to  the  secretary  of  state, 
in  which  he  enumerated  the  facts  and  dates  connected 
with  the  forgery,  and  declared  that  he  had   hitherto 

7.  Letter  to  General  Knox  ?  8.  What  book  had  been  publish  ?d  in 
1776 1  Who  republished  it  ?  9.  Washington's  letter  to  the  secretary 
of stale  ? 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  159 

thought  it  unnecessary  to  take  a  formal  notice  of  the 
imposition.  In  this  letter  he  solemnly  declared  that, 
the  correspondence  was  entirely  a  base  forgery,  and 
that  he  never  saw  or  heard  of  it  till  it  appeared  in 
print.  He  requested  that  his  letter  upon  the  subject 
should  be  deposited  in  the  office  of  the  department  of 
state,  to  be  a  testimony  of  the  truth  to  the  present  gen- 
eration and  to  posterity. 

10.  The  time  had  now  come  when  his  own  official 
power  was  to  cease,  and  that  of  his  successor,  John 
Adams,  was  to  commence.  The  old  and  new  presi- 
dents walked  together  to  the  house  of  representatives, 
where  the  oath  of  office  was  administered.  Mr.  Ad- 
ams concluded  his  address  upon  the  occasion,  by  an 
impressive  allusion  to  his  predecessor,  in  observing, 
that  though  about  to  retire,  "  his  name  may  still  be  a 
rampart,  and  the  knowledge  that  he  lives  a  bulwark, 
against  all  open  or  secret  enemies  of  his  country." 

11.  Washington  rejoiced  that  the  way  was  open  for 
his  return  to  the  happiness  of  domestic  and  private 
life.  After  paying  his  respects  to  the  new  president, 
he  immediately  set  out  for  Mount  Vernon.  He  was 
desirous  of  travelling  privately,  but  it  was  impossible. 
Wherever  he  passed,  crowds  came  out  to  meet  him 
and  testify  their  respect  for  him. 

12.  In  his  retirement,  Washington  resumed  his  agri- 
cultural pursuits ;  and,  in  the   society  of  his  private 

10.  Who  was  chosen  president  ?  Conclusion  of  Mr.  Adams's  ad- 
dress ?  11.  How  was  Washington  treated  on  his  way  to  Mount  Ver- 
■i)ii  ?     12.   His  pursuits  ? 


1G0  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

friends,  looked  for  a  quiet  ending  to  an  active  and  anx- 
ious life.  He  still,  however,  continued  interested  in 
public  affairs,  and  heard,  with  regret,  the  insults  offered 
to  the  United  States  by  the  French  directory.  These 
injuries  at  length  obliged  our  government  to  adopt 
vigorous  measures.  Congress  authorized  the  forma- 
tion of  a  regular  army,  and  all  eyes  were  turned  upon 
Washington  as  its  commander. 

13.  President  Adams  nominated  Washington  to  the 
chief  command  of  the  armies  of  the  United  States, 
with  the  rank  of  lieutenant-general.  To  the  letter, 
sent  with  the  commission  to  Mount  Vernon,  Washing- 
ton replied  in  a  letter  which  concluded  as  follows  : 

14.  "  Feeling  how  incumbent  it  is  upon  every  per 
son  of  every  description  to  contribute  at  all  times  to 
his  country's  welfare,  and  especially  in  a  moment  like 
the  present,  when  every  thing  we  hold  dear  and  sacred 
is  so  seriously  threatened,  I  have  finally  determined  to 
accept  the  commission  of  commander  in  chief  of  the 
armies  of  the  United  States  ;  with  the  reserve  only,  that 
I  shall  not  be  called  into  the  field  until  the  army  is  in 
a  situation  to  require  my  presence,  or  it  becomes  indis- 
pensable by  the  urgency  of  circumstances. 

15.  "  In  making  this  reservation,  I  beg  it  to  be  un- 
derstood, that  I  do  not  mean  to  withhold  any  assist- 
ance to  arrange  and  organize  the  army,  which  you 
may  think  I  can  afford.  I  take  the  liberty,  also,  to 
mention,  that  I  must  decline  having  my  acceptance 

Feelings  ?  13.  To  what  office  was  Washington  nominated  1 
14.  Repeat  Washington's  letter 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  Itil 

considered  as  drawing  after  it  any  immediate  charge 
upon  the  public  ;  or  that  I  can  receive  any  emoluments 
annexed  to  the  appointment,  before  entering  into  a  sit- 
uation to  incur  expense." 

1G.  After  the  receipt  of  this  appointment,  Washing- 
ton divided  his  time  between  agricultural  pursuits  and 
the  organization  of  the  army.  He  always  thought  an 
actual  invasion  of  the  country  very  improbable,  but  he 
made  arrangements  to  repel  it  at  the  water's  edge. 
No  sooner  had  these  warlike  preparations  been  made, 
than  France  signified  her  desire  for  a  peaceful  accom- 
modation. 

17.  Mr.  Adams  immediately  sent  three  envoys  ex- 
traordinary to  negotiate  with  the  French  republic.  On 
repairing  to  France,  they  found  the  directory  over- 
thrown, and  the  government  in  the  hands  of  Bona- 
parte. With  him  negotiations  were  immediately  com- 
menced, and  terminated  in  a  peaceful  arrangement  of 
all  difficulties.  Washington,  however,  did  not  live  to 
participate  in  the  general  joy  which  this  event  occa- 
sioned. 

18.  On  the  twelfth  of  December,  1799,  Washington 
rode  out  in  the  morning  to  his  farms.  The  weather 
soon  became  very  cold,  and  there  was  an  alternate  fall 
of  rain,  hail  and  snow.  He  did  not  return  till  past 
three,  when  he  went  to  dinner  without  changing  his 
dress.     In  the  evening  he  appeared  as  well  as  usual. 

19.  On  the  next  day,  there  was  a  heavy  fall  of  snow, 

16.  What  rlirl  Washington  do  ?     17.  For  what  were  envoys  sent  In 
France?     13.  When  <lid  Washington's  last  sickness  commence  * 
14* 


162  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

which  prevented  him  from  riding  out  as  usual.  He 
had  taken  cold  from  his  exposure  the  day  hefore,  and 
complained  of  having  a  sore  throat.  lie  had  a  hoarse- 
ness, which  increased  towards  evening,  but  took  no 
remedy  for  it,  observing,  as  he  would  never  take  any 
thing  to  carry  off  a  cold,  "  Let  it  go  as  it  came." 

20.  On  Saturday  morning  he  was  very  seriously  un- 
well, and  a  physician  was  sent  for  to  bleed  him.  Find- 
ing that  no  relief  was  obtained  from  bleeding,  and  that 
he  was  entirely  unable  to  swallow  any  thing,  his  at- 
tendants bathed  his  throat  externally  with  sal  volatile. 
A  piece  of  flannel  was  then  put  round  his  neck,  and 
his  feet  were  soaked  in  warm  water.  It  was  impossi- 
ble to  procure  any  relief. 

21.  Several  physicians  were  immediately  sent  for, 
and  various  remedies  resorted  to  without  effect.  Be- 
tween five  and  six  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  his  phy- 
sicians came  to  his  bedside,  and  Dr.  Craik  asked  him 
if  he  would  sit  up  in  the  bed.  He  held  out  his  hands, 
and  was  raised  up,  when  he  said — "  I  feel  myself  go- 
ing ;  you  had  better  not  take  any  more  trouble  about 
me,  but  let  me  go  off  quietly  ;  I  cannot  last  long." 

22.  They  found  what  had  been  done  was  without 
effect ;  he  laid  down  again,  and  all  except  Dr.  Craik 
retired.  He  then  said  to  him,  "  Doctor,  I  die  hard, 
but  I  am  not  afraid  to  go  ;  I  believed,  from  my  first  at- 
tack, I  should  not  survive  it  ;  my  breath  cannot  last 
long."     The  doctor  pressed  his  hand,   but  could  not 


19.  Give  som'i  account  of  the  progress  of  his  disorder. 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  103 

utter  a  word  :  he  retired  from  the  bed-side,  and  sat  by 
the  fire,  absorbed  in  grief. 

23.  About  ten  o'clock  he  made  several  attempts  to 
speak  before  he  could  effect  it.  He  at  length  said, 
"  I  am  just  going.  Have  me  decently  buried;  and  do 
not  let  my  body  be  put  in  the  vault  in  less  than  two 
days  after  I  am  dead."  His  attending  physician 
bowed  assent.  He  looked  at  him  again  and  said, 
"  Do  you  understand  me  1"  The  reply  was,  "  Yes, 
sir."     Washington  answered,  "  'Tis  well." 

24.  About  ten  minutes  before  he  expired,  his  breath- 
ing became  much  easier,  he  lay  quietly,  and  he  with- 
drew his  hand  from  the  physician  to  feel  his  own  pulse. 
His  hand  fell  from  the  wrist.  Dr.  Craik  placed  his 
hands  over  his  eyes,  and  he  expired  without  a  struggle 
or  a  sigh.  While  the  physicians  and  attendants  were 
standing  fixed  in  silent  grief,  Mrs.  Washington  asked, 
in  a  firm  and  collected  voice,  "  Is  he  gone  ?" 

2-i.  His  death  1 


164  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

Proceedings  of  Congress.  Extract  of  a  Letter  from  Mrs 
Washington,  Tributes  of  Respect  from  the  People.  An- 
ecdotes of  Washington.  Travelling  on  Sunday.  His 
Punctuality.  Captain  Pease  and  the  Horses.  His  Lib- 
erality.    Old  Lydick. 

1.  When  intelligence  of  the  death  of  Washington 
reached  Congress,  they  immediately  adjourned  until 
the  next  day.  Mr.  John  Marshall,  since  chief  justice 
of  the  United  States,  then  delivered  a  short  and  im- 
pressive speech  to  the  house  of  representatives  ;  and 
the  senate  addressed  a  letter  to  the  president.  To  this 
letter  Mr.  Adams  returned  an  answer,  which  concluded 
in  the  following  words  : 

2.  "  The  life  of  our  Washington  cannot  suffer  by  a 
comparison  with  those  of  other  countries  who  have 
been  most  celebrated  and  exalted  by  fame.  The  at- 
tributes and  decorations  of  royalty  could  only  have 
served  to  eclipse  the  majesty  of  those  virtues  which 
made  him,  from  being  a  modest  citizen,  a  more  re- 
splendent luminary.  Misfortune,  had  he  lived,  could 
hereafter  have  sullied  his  glory  only  with  those  super- 
ficial minds  who,  believing  that  character  and  actions 
are  marked  by  success  alone,  rarely  deserve  to  enjoy  it. 

3.  "  Malice  could  never  blast  his  honor,  and  envy 
made  him  a  singular  exception  to  her  universal   rule. 

1 .  How  did  Congress  receive  the  news  of  (lie  death  of  Washington  ? 
2.  Repeat  Mr.  Adams's  letter 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  165 

For  himself,  he  had  lived  long  enough  to  life  and  to 
glory  ;  for  his  fellow  citizens,  if  their  prayers  could 
have  been  answered,  he  would  have  been  immortal  ; 
for  me,  his  departure  is  at  a  most  unfortunate  moment. 
Trusting,  however,  in  the  wise  and  righteous  domin- 
ion of  Providence  over  the  passions  of  men  and  the  re- 
sults of  their  actions,  as  well  as  over  their  lives,  noth- 
ing remains  for  me  but  humble  resignation. 

4.  "  His  example  is  now  complete  ;  and  it  will  teach 
wisdom  and  virtue  to  magistrates,  citizens  and  men, 
not  only  in  the  present  age,  but  in  future  generations, 
as  long  as  our  history  shall  be  read.  If  a  Trajan  found 
a  Pliny,  a  Marcus  Aurelius  can  never  want  biogra- 
phers, eulogists,  or  historians." 

5.  Congress  voted  a  series  of  resolutions,  in  which 
it  was  determined  that  a  marble  monument  should  be 
erected  by  the  United  States,  at  the  capitol  of  the  city 
of  Washington,  to  commemorate  the  great  events  of 
the  military  and  political  life  of  the  late  president.  It 
was  also  determined  that  there  should  be  a  funeral  ora- 
tion and  procession,  and  that  it  should  be  recommend- 
ed to  the  people  of  the  United  States  to  wear  crape  on 
their  left  arm,  as  mourning,  for  thirty  days. 

6.  When  the  resolution  of  Congress,  that  she  should 
be  requested  to  permit  the  remains  of  her  husband  to 
be  deposited  under  a  marble  monument,  to  be  erected 
at  the  capitol,  was  communicated  to  Mrs.  Washington, 
she  replied  in  the  following  language :  "  Taught  by 

5.  What  resolutions  were  passed  by  Congress  7  G.  Reply  of  Mrs 
Washington  to  tlie  request  of  Congress  ? 


166  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

the  great  example  which  I  have  so  iong  had  before  me, 
never  to  oppose  my  private  wishes  to  the  public  will,  I 
must  consent  to  the  request  made  by  Congress,  which 
you  have  had  the  goodness  to  transmit  to  me ;  and  in 
doing  this,  I  need  not,  I  cannot  say,  what  a  sacrifice 
of  individual  feeling  I  make  to  a  sense  of  public  duty." 

7.  The  people  in  every  part  of  the  states,  with  one 
will  and  impulse,  immediately  assembled  to  express 
their  gratitude  to  the  deceased,  and  their  sorrow  for 
his  loss.  Funeral  orations  and  sermons  were  preached 
from  every  pulpit  throughout  the  land.  Villages,  towns, 
cities  and  public  institutions  were  called  Washington, 
and  thousands  of  children  in  all  ranks  of  life.  Mari- 
ners, who  discovered  new  islands,  gave  them  the  name 
of  the  American  chief,  thus  carrying  it  to  the  remotest 
corners  of  the  globe. 

8.  The  history  of  Washington  is  so  much  the  histo- 
ry of  his  country,  during  the  times  in  which  he  lived, 
that  it  has  been  difficult  to  interrupt  the  relation  of 
public  events  by  the  introduction  of  trifling  anecdotes, 
which,  more  than  any  thing  else,  exhibit  the  private 
character.  A  few  of  these,  collected  from  rarious 
sources,  we  have  reserved  for  this,  and  the  following 
chapter. 

9.  Washington  was  at  one  time  travelling  through 
Connecticut,  where  the  roads  were  somewhat  rough, 
and  the  manners  of  the  inhabitants  very  rigid  ;  and  he 


7.  What  was  done  by  the  people  to  express  their  feelings  7 
8.  What  of  the  history  of  Washington  ?  9.  Relate  the  anecdote  of 
Washington  in  Connecticut. 


UFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  1^ 

was  overtaken  by  night  on  Saturday,  without  being 
able  to  reach  the  village  where  he  intended  to  pass  the 
sabbath.  Next  morning,  about  sunrise,  his  coach  was 
harnessed,  and  he  was  proceeding  to  an  inn,  near  the 
place  of  worship  which  he  proposed  to  attend.  A  plain 
man,  who  was  an  informing  officer,  came  from  a  cot- 
tage, and  inquired  of  the  coachman  if  there  was  any 
reason  for  his  travelling  on  the  Lord's  da\.  Instead 
of  resenting  this  interruption  as  impertinent,  the  gen- 
eral ordered  the  coachman  to  stop,  and,  with  great  ci- 
vility, explained  the  circumstances  to  the  officer,  com- 
mending him  for  his  fidelity  ;  and  assured  him  that 
nothing  was  further  from  his  intention,  than  to  treat 
with  disrespect  the  laws  and  usages  of  Connecticut. 

10.  Washington  performed  all  his  great  works  with 
apparent  ease,  by  a  strict  observance  of  punctuality. 
Whenever  he  assigned  to  meet  Congress  at  a  certain 
hour,  he  never  failed  to  be  passing  the  door  of  the  hall 
when  the  clock  was  striking.  His  dining  hour  was 
four,  when  he  always  sat  down  to  his  table,  allowing 
only  five  minutes  for  the  variation  of  timepieces,  wheth- 
er his  guests  were  present  or  not.  It  was  frequently 
the  case  with  new  members  of  Congress,  that  they  did 
not  arrive  until  dinner  was  nearly  half  over,  and  he 
would  remark — "  Gentlemen,  we  are  punctual  here  ; 
my  cook  never  asks  whether  the  company  has  arrived, 
but  whether  the  hour  has." 

11.  When  visiting  Boston  in  1789,  he  appointed 
eight  o'clock  in  the  morning  as  the   hour   when  he 

10.  Give  some  instance?  of  Washington's  punctuality 


108 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 


should  set  out  for  Salem  ;  and  while  the  Old  Soutit 
clock  was  striking  eight,  he  was  crossing  his  saddle. 
The  company  of  cavalry  which  volunteered  to  escort 
him,  not  anticipating  this  strict  punctuality,  were  pa- 
rading in  Tremont  street  after  his  departure  ,  and  it 
was  not  until  the  president  had  reached  Charles  river 
bridge,  where  he  stopped  a  few  minutes,  that  the  troop 
of  horse  overtook  him  On  passing  the  corps,  the  pres- 
ident, with  perfect  good  nature,  said — "  Major , 

I  thought  you  had  been  too  long  in  my  family  not  to 
know  when  it  was  eight  o'clock." 

12.  The  following  anecdote  was  related  by  Captain 
Pease,  the  head  of  the  stage  establishment  in  the  Unit- 
ed States.  He  had  purchased  a  pair  of  beautiful 
horses,  which  he  wished  to  dispose  of  to  the  president. 
Five  o'clock  was  the  hour  appointed  to  examine  them. 
The  captain  thought  the  hour  was  too  early  for  so  great 
a  man  to  be  stirring,  and  did  not  arrive  with  the  horses 
until  a  quarter  after  five  ;  when  he  was  told  by  the 
groom,  that  the  president  had  been  there  at  five,  and 
was  then  fulfilling  other  engagements.  Pease  was 
much  mortified,  and  called  on  Major  Jackson,  the  sec- 
retary, to  apologize  for  his  delay,  and  to  request  the 
president  to  appoint  some  new  time.  He  found  that 
the  president's  time  was  wholly  pre-occupied  for  several 
days,  and  he  was  put  to  the  trouble  and  expense  of  re- 
maining a  week  in  Philadelphia  before  the  examina- 
tion took  place. 

13  While  the  American  army  lay  encamped  at 
Morristown,  it  occurred  that  the  service  of  the  commu 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  li>9 

nion  was  to  be  administered  in  the  Presbyterian  church 
in  that  village.  In  a  morning  of  the  previous  week, 
Washington,  after  his  accustomed  inspection  of  the 
camp,  visited  the  house  of  the  Rev.  Doctor  Jones,  then 
pastor  of  the  church,  and,  after  a  little  conversation, 
observed  to  him — 

14.  "  Doctor,  I  understand  that  the  Lord's  supper 
is  to  be  celebrated  with  you  next  Sunday  ;  I  would 
learn  if  it  accords  with  the  canons  of  your  church  to 
admit  communicants  of  another  denomination."  The 
doctor  rejoined — "  Most  certainly  ;  ours  is  not  the  Pres- 
byterian table,  general,  but  the  Lord's  table,  and  we 
hence  give  the  Lord's  invitation  to  all  hb  followers  of 
whatever  name."  The  general  replied — "  I  am  glad 
of  it :  that  is  as  it  ought  to  be :  but  as  I  was  not  quite 
sure  of  the  fact,  I  thought  I  would  ascertain  it  from 
yourself,  as  I  propose  to  join  with  you  on  that  occasion. 
Though  a  member  of  the  church  of  England,  I  have 
no  exclusive  partialities."  The  doctor  reassured  him 
of  a  cordial  welcome,  and  the  general  was  found  seat- 
ed with  the  communicants  the  next  sabbath. 

15.  Shortly  after  his  election  to  the  presidency  of 
the  United  States,  General  Washington,  his  lady,  and 
secretary,  Major  Jackson,  on  their  way  from  the  seat 
of  government  to  Mount  Vernon,  stopped  for  the  night 
at  Chester.  The  president  had  scarcely  arrived,  and 
expressed  a  wish  not  to  be  disturbed,  when  a  message 
was  brought  that  an  old  gentleman,  once  honored  with 

14.  What  of  the  communion  ?  15.  Anecdote  of  Washington  a« 
Chester  ? 

15 


170  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON 

his  favor  and  protection,  requested  permission  to  pay 
his  respects,  adding,  that  his  name  was  Lydick. 

16.  *  Let  him  enter,  by  all  means,"  said  the  presi- 
dent ;  "  he  is  the  man,  Major  Jackson,  who,  at  the 
hazard  of  his  life,  entered  New  York,  while  in  posses 
sion  of  the  enemy,  for  the  purpose  of  distributing 
among  the  German  troops,  proclamations,  inviting  then 
to  our  standard ;  and  who,  afterwards,  superintended 
for  many  years,  our  baking  establishment  with  zea 
and  diligence." 

17.  As  the  old  man  entered,  the  general,  takinc 
jrim  kindly  by  the  hand,  said — "  My  worthy  friend,  ] 
am  rejoiced  to  see  you,  and  truly  happy  to  express  rm 
thanks  to  a  man  to  whom  I  feel  myself  under  great 
obligation.  You  ever  served  your  country  with  exem- 
plary fidelity,  and  her  warmest  gratitude  is  richly  your 
due." 

18.  "  Such  praise  from  my  beloved  commander," 
replied  Lydick,  "  is  high  reward.  I  shall  now  go  to 
my  grave  in  peace,  since  it  has  been  my  happiness, 
once  again,  to  meet  and  pay  my  duty  to  your  excel- 
lency " 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  171 


CHAPTER   XX. 

Personal  Appearance  of  Washington.     Description  by  Dr. 
Thacher.     Remarks  upon  his  Character, 

1.  The  personal  appearance  of  Washington  was  re- 
markable. It  was  that  of  the  gentleman  and  soldier. 
He  was  six  feet  in  height,  erect  and  well  proportioned. 
His  muscular  strength  was  very  great.  With  his  coun- 
tenance it  was  impossible  to  connect  any  other  quali- 
ties than  those  of  wisdom,  benevolence  and  magna- 
nimity. 

2.  His  deportment  was  in  strict  accordance  with  his 
character  and  situation.  He  was  dignified  without  be- 
ing haughty,  and  serious  without  being  sullen.  His 
gravity  was  such  as  became  his  station,  and  was 
never  dull  or  disagreeable.  His  features  were  of  a 
beautiful  symmetry  ;  his  nose  was  straight,  and  his  eyes 
were  nearly  blue. 

3.  "  It  is  natural,"  says  Dr.  Thacher,  "  to  view  with 
keen  attention  the  countenance  of  an  illustrious  man, 
with  a  secret  hope  of  discovering  in  his  features  some 
peculiar  traces  of  excellence  which  distinguishes  him 
from  and  elevates  him  above  his  fellow  mortals.  These 
expectations  are  realized,  in  a  peculiar  manner,  in  view- 
ing the  person  of  General  Washington.  His  tall  and 
noble  stature  and  just  proportions,  his  fine,  cheerful, 
open  countenance,  simple  and  modest  deportment,  are 

1 .  Personal  appearance  of  Washington  ?  Deportment  ?  3.  Re 
peal  Dr.  Thacher' s  description  of  Washington. 


172  LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

all  calculated  to  interest  every  beholder  in  his  favor, 
and  to  command  veneration  and  respect.  He  is  feared 
even  when  silent,  and  beloved  even  while  we  are  un 
conscious  of  the  motive.  ' 

4.  You  have  now  read  a  simple  account  of  the  life, 
manners  and  personal  appearance  of  George  Washing- 
ton. It  does  little  good  to  read  unless  we  think  upon 
the  men  and  things  about  which  we  read.  Let  us 
now  think  together  a  moment  of  the  character  and 
fame  of  the  preserver  of  his  country,  and  the  father  of 
her  liberties. 

5.  You  have  heard,  perhaps,  about  Cassar,  Alexan- 
der, and  Buonaparte.  They  were  all  great  warriors, 
and  introduced  into  the  world  a  great  deal  of  misery. 
Their  object  was  personal  glory  ;  their  motive  was  a 
selfish  desire  of  power,  and  wealth,  and  fame.  They 
did  not  live  for  mankind  or  their  country,  but  for  them- 
selves. It  was  for  themselves  that  they  toiled,  and 
fought,  and  filled  the  world  with  wretchedness  and 
slaughter.  It  was  for  themselves  that  they  labored, 
and  they  all  reaped  the  reward  of  their  selfish  ambition. 

G.  The  military  fame  of  Washington  was  not  of  his 
own  seeking.  He  had  no  delight  in  scenes  of  carnage 
and  bloodshed.  When  appointed  by  Congress  to  the 
command  of  the  American  armies,  he  modestly  shrunk 
from  an  appointment  to  which  he  did  not  consider 
himself  adapted.  But  the  call  of  his  countrymen  was 
sver  the  rule  of  his  life.  He  accepted  the  chief  com- 
mand, held  it  through  a  perilous  and  discouraging  war, 

5.  Comparison  between  Washington  and  otliar  niiliiary  heroes  7 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON.  173 

and  only  resigned  his  sword  when,  like  the  weapon  of 
an  ancient  warrior,  it  was  wreathed  with  the  laurels 
of  victory,  and  the  myrtle  of  peace. 

7.  Washington  was  not  ambitious  of  military  dis- 
tinction. He  had  no  thirst  for  affluence,  power,  or 
fame.  His  only  desire  was  to  render  the  highest  ser- 
vice to  his  country.  If  this  could  have  been  best  ob- 
tained by  his  remaining  in  silence  and  obscurity,  the 
world  would  never  have  heard  his  name.  He  would 
have  lived  and  died  contented  with  the  consciousness 
that  he  had  done  all  that  became  him  as  a  patriot  and 
as  a  man. 

8.  But  we  must  not  think  upon  him  only  as  a  sol- 
dier. As  a  wise  statesman,  he  stands  among  the  first 
that  have  ever  ornamented  or  elevated  the  period  and 
country  in  which  they  lived.  He  was  prudent,  far- 
sighted,  indefatigable  ;  not  to  be  turned  out  of  his  way, 
nor  alarmed,  nor  at  all  shaken  in  his  purpose,  by  diffi- 
culties that  to  meaner  men  would  have  appeared  insur- 
mountable. Never  adopting  a  measure  without  pa- 
tient investigation,  he  was  unremitting  in  his  exertions 
to  effect  what  he  had  once  adopted.  Cautious  in  form- 
ing his  plans,  he  was  persevering  in  their  execution. 

9.  Washington  was  a  fine  speaker  and  an  excellent 
writer.  When  we  look  upon  his  military  orders,  his 
numerous  letters,  nis  public  speeches  and  addresses, 
and  his  presidential  messages  to  Congress,  we  cannot 
but  be  astonished  at  the  ease,  the  freedom  and  the  sim- 

7.  What  was  Washington's  desire  1  8.  His  character  as  a  states- 
man 1     9.  What  of  his  writing  ? 

15* 


174 


LIFE  OF  WASHINGTON. 


plicity  with  which  they  are  all  composed.  He  always 
wrote  briefly  and  to  the  point,  expressing  what  he  had 
to  say  in  words  that  would  convey  his  meaning  with 
the  most  directness  and  clearness. 

10.  In  considering  the  character  of  Washington,  we 
not  only  find  every  thing  to  respect,  but  every  thing  to 
esteem  and  love.  His  dignified  wisdom  commands 
our  admiration,  but  we  cannot  regard,  without  sincere 
and  warm  affection,  his  earnest  patriotism,  his  diffusive 
benevolence,  his  unsullied  integrity,  his  child-like  sim- 
plicity and  purity  of  life.  Well  may  we  say,  as  it  often 
has  been  said,  that  the  world  has  never  seen  but  a  sin- 
gle Washington  ! 

10.  What  do  we  find  in  the  character  of  Washington  1  What  has 
often  been  said  of  him  ? 


FEANK1IK. 


if'n'lHfcg 


Franklin  taking  home  his  paper. 

w^nvivrnj^T'^  ''■  IV-  W'l'l  'l^fllil'Jilli'iiirfil'F:; 


r 


^:l_ 


'ill 


Reconciliation  of  Franklin  with  liis  Brotlie 


THE 


L  I  F  K 


BENJAMIN    FRANKLIN. 


ILLUSTRATED    BY 

TALES,  SKETCHES,  AND  ANECDOTES. 


ADAPTED    TO    THE    USE    OF    SCHOOLS. 


WITH    ENGRAVINGS. 


PHILADELPHIA: 
CHARLES    DESILVEK, 

251  Market  Street. 
1  8  5  7. 


Entered  according  to  act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1836,  \>j 

S.    G.    GOODRICH, 
£a  the  Clerk's  Office  oi  the  District  Couit  of  Massachusetts. 


PREFACE. 


The  following  Preface  to  the  Life  of  Columbus  will 
explain  the  plan  of  the  series,  of  which  this  is  the  third 
volume  : — 

"  There  is  no  kind  of  reading  more  attractive  than  biogra- 
phy, and,  if  properly  treated,  there  is  none  more  instructive. 
It  appears,  therefore,  to  be  peculiarly  fitted  to  the  purposes 
of  education ;  it  readily  excites  the  curiosity  and  awakens 
the  interest  of  the  pupil,  and,  while  it  stores  his  mind  with 
facts,  dates  and  events,  displays  to  his  view  the  workings 
of  the  human  heart,  and  makes  him  better  acquainted  with 
himself  and  mankind. 

"  In  the  selection  of  subjects  for  a  biographical  series  of 
works  for  youth,  the  editor  has  been  led,  by  two  consider 
ations,  to  prefer  those  which  belong  to»  our  own  country. 
In  the  first  place,  it  is  more  particularly  necessary  that  our 
youth  should  be  made  acquainted  with  the  lives  of  those 
men  who  were  associated  with  the  history  of  their  native 
and;  and,  in  the  second  place,  no  country  can  afford  hap- 
1* 


6  PRE*  ACE. 

pier  subjects  for  biography  than  this.  There  are  few  such 
lives  as  those  of  Columbus,  Washington,  and  Franklin,  in 
the  annals  of  any  nation. 

"  In  the  preparation  of  the  work,  the  author  has  sought 
to  adapt  it  to  youth,  by  the  use  of  a  simple  stj'le,  and  by 
the  introduction  of  many  illustrative  tales,  sketches,  anec- 
dotes and  adventures.  Questions  for  examining  the  pupils 
are  printed  in  the  pages,  which  may  be  used,  or  not,  at  the 
choice  of  the  Teacher." 

The  Life  of  Columbus  and  the  Life  of  Washington,  on  a 
plan  similar  to  this,  have  been  already  published  ;  and  other 
volumes,  containing  the  lives  of  celebrated  Indian  Chiefs, 
celebrated  American  Statesmen,  &c,  will  appear  here- 
after, if  those  already  in  progress  should  meet  with  sue- 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  I. 

Pago 

Birth  of  Franklin.  Early  Education.  Anecdote. 
Choice  of  a  Trade.  He  is  placed  with  a  Cutler.  HI'S 
Fondness  for  Reading.  Bound  Apprentice  to  his 
Brother.  Makes  a  Couple  of  Ballads.  His  Friend 
Collins.     Reads  the  Spectator —  .     11 

CHAPTER  II. 

Franklin  gives  up  eating  Meat.  His  Economy  of 
Time.  Studies  Arithmetic.  James  Franklin  estab- 
lishes a  Newspaper.  Benjamin  writes  for  it.  His 
Brother  is  imprisoned.  Benjamin  manages  the 
Paper.  Leaves  his  Brother.  Goes  to  New  York 
Sails  thence  for  Philadelphia.  Anecdote  of  the 
Dutchman 19 

CHAPTER  III. 

His  Journey.  His  Dinner  with  the  old  Ginger- 
bread Woman.  Arrives  in  Philadelphia.  Anec- 
dote of  the  Rolls.  Attends  the  Meeting  House  of 
the  Quakers.  Suspected  of  being  a  Runaway. 
Employed  by  Keimer.  Noticed  by  Governor  Keith. 
Visit  to  Boston.    Return 27 

CHAPTER  IV. 

Finds  his  Friend  Collins  in  New  York.  Visit  to  the 
Governor.  Promises  from  Governor  Keith.  Pro- 
ject of  a  new  religious  Sect.  Anecdote  of  Keimer 
and  the  roast  Pig.  His  principal  Acquaintance. 
A  literary  Trick.  Prepares  to  go  to  London.  The 
Governor's  Deception.     Arrival  in  London 35 


CHAPTER  V. 

Troubled  by  his  Friend  Ralph.  Obtains  Employ 
ment.  Ralph  turns  Schoolmaster,  and  begins  an 
Epic  Poem.  Franklin  teaches  some  of  his  Friends 
to  swim.  Anecdote  of  Mr.  Denham.  Return  to 
Philadelphia.  Story  of  George  Webb.  Franklin 
quarrels   with  Keimer.     Returns   to  work  for  him. 

^   Employed    at   Burlington.     Leaves    Keimer 43 

CHAPTER  VI 

The  Junto.  A  new  Paper  started  by  Keimer.  Frank- 
lin purchases  it.  Difficulties  in  their  Business.  A 
Dissolution  of  the  Partnership.  Franklin  assisted 
by  his  Friends.  David  Harry.  Match-making. 
Marriage  with  Miss  Read 50 

CHAPTER  VII. 

Library  ®f  the  Junto.  A  public  Library  estab- 
lished. Franklin  studies.  His  Frugality.  Anec- 
dote of  the  Bowl  and  Spoon.  His  Scheme  of 
arriving  at  Moral  Perfection.  Table  of  Precepts. 
Franklin's  Remarks  upon  it.  Poor  Richard's  Al- 
manac      57 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

Management  of  his  Newspaper.  Study  of  the  Lan- 
guages. Chess-playing.  The  Preacher  Hemphill. 
Stealing  Sermons.  Visit  to  Boston  Visits  his 
Brother  James  at  Newport.  Usefulness  of  the 
Junto.  Formation  of  new  Clubs.  Franklin  chosen 
Clerk  of  the  General  Assembly.     Anecdote. 65 

CHAPTER  IX. 

Reform  of  the  City  Watch.  Fire  Companies.  Rev. 
Mr.  Whitefield.  Effects  of  his  Preaching.  His  Pro- 
ject of  building  an  Orphan  House  in  Georgia.  An- 
ecdotes. Franklin's  Opinion  of  him.  Franklin's 
Prosperity.  Military  .  Defence  of  the  Province. 
Formation  <sf  Companies 72 


CONTENT,--. 


CHAPTER  X. 


Anecdote.  William  Perm.  Education  of  Youth. 
Subscription  for  an  Academy.  Franklin  overloaded 
with  public  Offices.  Member  of  the  Assembly. 
Treaty  with  the  Indians  at  Carlisle.  Public  Hospi- 
tal.   Anecdote 8« 

CHAPTER  XI. 

Spence's  Experiments  in  Electricity.  Franklin  re- 
peats them.  Makes  important  Discoveries.  Letters 
to  Collinson.  Experiment  with  the  Kite.  Publica- 
tion of  his  Letters.  Anecdote  of  the  Abbe  Nollet. 
Fame  of  Franklin.  Elected  a  Member  of  the  Royal 
Society 90 

CHAPTER  XII. 

Appointed  Postmaster-General.  Journey  to  New 
England.  Receives  Degrees  from  two  Colleges. 
Story  of  the  Visit  to  his  Mother 97 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

Congress  at  Albany.  Plan  for  a  Union  of  the  Col- 
onies. Arrival  of  General  Braddock.  Franklin 
sent  to  him  by  the  Assembly.  Want  of  Wagons. 
Franklin  undertakes  to  procure  them.  His  Adver- 
tisement. Anecdote  of  Braddock.  Battle  with  the 
Indians.     Retreat 105 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

Settlement  for  the  Loss  of  Wagons.  Anecdote. 
Preparations  for  Defence.  Franklin  appointed  to  a 
military  Command.  Assembles  the  Troops  at  Beth- 
lehem. Farmers  killed  by  Indians.  Building  Forts. 
Extracts  from  Franklin's  Journal.  Indian  Cunning. 
Anecdotes  of  the  Moravians 113 

CHAPTER  XV. 

Disputes  with  the  Proprietaries.  Franklin  sent  by  the 
Assembly  to  London.  Appointed  general  Agent  for 
the  Colonies.  University  Honors.  The  Armonica. 
Murder  of  the  friendly  Indians 124 

A2 


10 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

Franklin  reappointed  Agent  at  the  Court__of  Great 
Britain.  Visits  Germany  and  France.  Returns  to 
Philadelphia.  Appointed  Delegate  to  Congress. 
Interview  with  Lord  Howe.  Sent  as  Ambassador 
to  France.  Asks  to  be  recalled.  Chosen  President 
of  the  Supreme  Council  of  Philadelphia.  Death. 
Character. 


V.MJ 


ESSAYS  OF  DR.  FRANKLIN. 

The  Whistle 136 

Handsome  and  Deformed  Leg 138 

Advice  to  a  young  Tradesman 142 

Necessary  Hints  to  those  that  would  be  rich 145 

Paper,  a  Poem 1415 

On  the  art  of  Swimming 149 

Preliminary  Address  to  the  Pennsylvania  Almanac,  en- 
titled, "  Poor  Richard's  Almanac,  for  the  year  1758."  153 

Observations  on  War 167 

The   Way    to   make  Money    plenty    in    every  Man's 

Pocket 169 

Morals  of  Chess 171 

Conversation  of  a  Company  of  Ephemera? 177 


LIFE    OF    FRANKLIN. 


CHAPTER  I. 


Birth  of  Franklin.  Early  Education.  Anecdote. 
Choice  of  a  Trade.  He  is  placed  with  a  Culler.  His 
Fondness  foi  Reading.  Bound  Apprentice  to  his 
Brotlur.  Makes  a  couple  of  Ballads.  His  Fiend 
Collins.     Reads  the  Spectator. 

1.  Benjamin  Franklin  was  born  in  Boston,  New 
England,  on  the  seventeenth  of  January,  1706.  He 
was  the  youngest  son  in  a  family  of  seventeen  chil- 
dren. His  elder  brothers  were,  at  an  early  age,  put 
apprentices  to  different  trades ;  for  their  father  was 
a  man  of  honest  industry,  but  with  little  or  no 
property,  and  unable  to  support  the  expense  of 
keeping  them  long  at  school. 

2.  Benjamin,  however,  was  intended  for  the 
church,  and  at  eight  years  of  age  was  put  to  a  gram- 

1.  Where  was  Franklin  bom?  When 'f  2. '  For  what  profession 
did  his  parents  intend  to  educate  him  ? 


12  LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN. 

mar  school.  His  readiness  in  learning,  and  his 
attention  to  study,  confirmed  the  first  intention  of 
nis  parents.  The  plan  also  met  with  the  approba- 
tion of  his  uncle  Benjamin,  who  promised  to  give 
him  some  volumes  of  sermons  that  he  had  taken 
down  in  short  hand,  from  the  lips  of  the  most  emi- 
nent preachers  of  the  day. 

3.  He  continued  at  the  grammar  school,  however, 
only  about  a  year,  though  he  had  risen  to  the  head 
of  his  class,  and  promised  to  be  a  very  fine  scholar. 
His  father  was  burthened  with  a  numerous  family, 
and  could  not  carry  him  through  a  course  of  college 
education.  He  accordingly  changed  his  first  pur- 
pose, and  sent  Benjamin  to  a  school  for  writing  and 
arithmetic,  kept  by  Mr.  George  Brownwell. 

4.  This  master  was  quite  skilful  in  his  profession, 
being  mild  and  kind  to  his  scholars,  but  very  suc- 
cessful in  teaching  them.  Benjamin  learned  to 
write  a  good  hand  in  a  short  time,  but  he  could  not 
manage  arithmetic  so  easily.  At  ten  years  of  age 
he  was  taken  from  school  to  help  his  father  in 
the  business  of  a  tallow-chandler ;  and  was  employed 
in  cutting  the  wick  for  the  candles,  going  errands, 
and  tending  the  shop. 

5.  Benjamin  disliked  the  trade,  and  had  a  strong 
inclination  to  go  to  sea ;  but  his  father  opposed  his 
wishes  in  this  respect,  and  determined  to  keep  him 
at  home.     The  house  in  which  he  lived  happened 

3.  What  induced  his  father  to  change  his  intention  7  4.  To 
what  trade  was  Benjamin  put,  and  when  ? 


Litf'E  OF  FRAPsKLUN  13 

to  be  near  the  water,  and  Benjamin  was  always 
playing  with  boats,  and  swimming.  When  sailing 
with  other  boys,  he  was  usually  the  leader,  and  he 
confesses  that  he  sometimes  led  them  into  diffi- 
culties. 

C.  There  was  a  salt  marsh  which  bounded  part 
of  the  mill-pond,  on  the  edge  of  which  the  boys  used 
to  stand  to  fish  for  minnows.  They  had  trampled 
lit  so  much,  however,  as  to  make  it  a  mere  quagmire. 
Franklin  proposed  to  his  friends  to  build  a  wharf 
there,  for  them  to  stand  upon  ;  and  showed  them  a 
large  heap  of  stones,  which  were  intended  for  a  new 
house  near  the  marsh,  and  would  answer  their  pur- 
pose exactly. 

7.  Accordingly,  that  evening,  when  the  workmen 
were  gone  home,  he  assembled  a  number  of  his 
playfellows,  and  they  worked  diligently,  like  so 
many  emmets,  sometimes  two  or  three  to  a  stone, 
till  they  had  brought  them  all  to  make  their  little 
wharf.  On  the  next  morning,  the  workmen  were 
surprised  on  missing  the  stones.  The  authors  of 
the  removal  were  detected,  complained  of,  and  pun- 
ished by  their  parents.  Franklin  attempted  to  show 
the  usefulness  of  their  work  ;  but  his  father  took 
that  occasion  to  convince  him,  that  that  which  was 
not  truly  honest  could  not  be  truly  useful. 

8.  Benjamin  continued  employed  in  the  business 


6.  Relate  the  anecdote  about  Franklin  and  his  companions. 
What  maxim  did  his  father  teach  him  in  consequence  of  this 
venture  '! 


14  LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN. 

of  his  father  about  two  years,  that  is,  till  he  was 
twelve  years  old.  His  brother  John,  who  had  also 
been  brought  up  to  the  trade,  had  left  his  father, 
married,  and  set  up  for  himself  in  Rhode  Island 
There  was  now  every  appearance  that  Benjamin 
was  destined  to  become  a  tallow-chandler.  As  his 
dislike  to  the  trade  continued,  his  father  was  afraid 
that,  if  he  did  not  put  Benjamin  to  one  that  was  more 
agreeable,  he  would  run  away,  and  go  to  sea,  as  an 
elder  brother  of  his  had  done.  In  consequence  of 
this  apprehension,  he  used  to  take  him  to  walk,  to 
see  joiners,  bricklayers,  turners  and  braziers  at 
their  work,  that  he  might  observe  his  inclination, 
and  fix  it  on  some  trade  or  profession  that  would 
keep  him  on  land. 

9.  His  father  at  length  determined  on  the  cutler's 
trade,  and  placed  him  for  some  days  on  trial  with 
his  cousin  Samuel,  who  was  bred  to  that  trade  in 
London,  and  had  just  established  himself  in  Boston. 
It  was  then  usual  to  ask  a  sum  of  money  for  receiv- 
ing an  apprentice,  and  the  cutler  charged  so  much 
for  taking  Benjamin,  that  his  father  was  displeased, 
and  put  him  to  his  old  business  again. 

10.  From  his  infancy  Benjamin  had  been  pas 
sionately  fond  of  reading ;  and  all  the  money  that 
he  could  get  was  laid  out  in  purchasing  books.  He 
was  very  fond  of  voyages  and  travels.     The  dangers 

8.  What  were  his  father's  fears  in  relation  to  his  new  occupation  ? 
9.  On  what  trade  did  his  father  finally  determine  ?  10.  Describe 
liis  early  fondness  for  reading,  and  the  books  of  which  he  was 
most  fond 


LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN.  15 

2nd  adventures  of  sailors  in  the  different  parts  of  the 
world,  and  stories  of  the  strange  people  and  customs 
they  met  with,  he  would  always  read  with  delight. 

11.  The  first  books  that  he  was  able  to  buy  were 
the  works  of  a  famous  old  English  writer,  named 
John  Bunyan.  These  he  afterwards  sold,  in  order 
to  purchase  some  volumes  of  Historical  Collections. 
His  father's  library  consisted  principally  of  works 
on  divinity,  most  of  which  he  read  at  an  early  age. 
Beside  these,  there  was  a  book  by  De  Foe,  the  au- 
thor of  Robinson  Crusoe ;  and  another  called  An 
Essay  to  do  Good,  by  Dr.  Mather,  an  old  New 
England  divine. 

12.  This  fondness  for  books  at  length  determined 
his  father  to  bring  him  up  as  a  printer,  though  he 
had  already  one  son  in  that  employment.  In  1717, 
this  son  returned  from  England  with  a  press  and 
letters  to  set  up  his  business  in  Boston.  Benjamin 
liked  this  trade  much  better  than  that  of  his  father, 
but  still  had  a  desire  to  go  to  sea.  To  prevent  this 
step,  his  father  was  impatient  to  have  him  bound 
apprentice  to  his  brother,  and  at  length  persuaded 
him  to  consent  to  it. 

13.  He  was  to  serve  as  apprentice  till  he  was, 
twenty-one  years  of  age,  and  during  the  last  year 
was  to  be  allowed  the  wages  of  a  journeyman.  In 
a  little  time,  he  made  great  progress  in  the  business, 

11.  What  books  did  he  first  buy  ?  12.  What  induced  his  father 
to  bring'  up  Benjamin  as  a  printer  ?  To  whom  was  he  bound  ap- 
prentice 1     13.  How  did  he  succeed  in  his  new  trade  1 


LIFE  OK   FRANKLIN. 


Franklin  reading  at  night. 


LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN.  17 

and  became  quite  useful.  He  was  now  able  to  ob- 
tain better  books.  An  acquaintance  with  the  ap- 
prentices of  the  booksellers  sometimes  enabled  him 
to  borrow  a  small  one,  which  he  was  careful  to  re- 
turn clean  and  in  good  season.  He  often  sat  up  in 
his  chamber  the  greater  part  of  the  night,  to  read 
a  book  that  he  was  obliged  to  return  in  the  morning 

14.  After  some  time,  an  ingenious  and  sensible 
merchant,  Mr.  Matthew  Adams,  who  had  a  pretty 
collection  of  books,  took  notice  of  Franklin  at  the 
printing  office,  and  invited  him  to  see  his  library. 
He  very  kindly  offered  to  lend  him  any  work  that 
he  might  like  to  read. 

15.  He  now  took  a  strong  inclination  for  poetry, 
and  wrote  some  little  pieces.  His  brother  supposed 
that  he  might  use  this  talent  to  advantage,  and  en- 
couraged him  to  cultivate  it.  About  this  time,  he 
produced  two  ballads.  One  was  called  the  Light- 
House  Tragedy,  and  contained  an  account  of  the 
shipwreck  of  Captain  Worthilake,  with  his  two 
daughters;  the  other  was  a  sailor's  song,  on  the 
taking  of  the  famous  Blackbeard,  the  pirate. 

16.  They  were  written  in  the  doggerel  street-bal- 
lad style,  and  when  they  were  printed,  his  brother 
sent  Benjamin  about  the  town  to  sell  them.  The 
first  sold  very  rapidly,  as  the  event  on  which  it  was 
founded  had  recently  occurred,  and  made  a  great 

What  advantages  did  it  afford  him  for  pursuing  his  studies  ?    15. 
Relate  the  account  of  his  first  attempts  in  poetry.     16.  How  did 
Vis  ballads  succeed  ? 
o  * 


18  LIFE  OF  FRANKUtf 

deal  of  noise.  This  success  flattered  his  vanity  very 
much,  but  his  father  discouraged  him  by  criticising 
his  ballads,  and  telling  him  that  verse-makers  were 
generally  beggars. 

17.  This  prevented  him  from  giving  any  further 
attention  to  poetry,  and  led  him  to  devote  more  time 
and  care  to  prose  compositions.  Pie  was  at  this 
time  intimately  acquainted  with  another  lad  very 
fond  of  books,  named  John  Collins.  They  some- 
times discussed  different  questions  together,  and 
had  become  very  apt  to  indulge  in  arguments  and 
disputes. 

IS.  A  question  was  once  started  between  them 
on  the  propriety  of  educating  the  female  sex  in 
learned  studies,  and  their  abilities  for  these  studies. 
As  they  parted  without  settling  the  point,  and  were 
not  to  see  one  another  again  for  a  long  time,  Frank- 
lin sat  down  to  put  his  arguments  in  writing.  He 
then  made  a  fair  copy  of  them,  and  sent  it  to  Collins. 
19.  Three  or  four  letters  passed  between  them 
on  the  subject,  when  the  father  of  Franklin  hap- 
pened to  find  the  papers,  and  read  them.  Without 
entering  into  the  subject  in  dispute,  he  took  occa- 
sion to  talk  to  him  about  his  manner  of  writing 
He  marked  the  defects  in  his  expressions,  and  in 
the  arrangement  of  his  sentences,  but  gave  him  the 
credit  of  spelling  and  pointing  with  great  correct- 
How  did  his  father  discourage  his  new  taste  ?  18.  What  was 
the  subject  of  his  discussion  with  his  friend  Collins?  19.  What 
praise  and  advice  did  his  father  give  him  on  this  occasion  ? 


LIFE  OF    FRANKLIN.  VJ 

ness.  This  he  had  learned  in  the  printing  office, 
but  he  had  never  before  been  taught  any  thing 
about  manner  and  style. 

20.  About  this  time,  he  met  with  an  odd  volume 
of  the  Spectator,  a  very  famous  work,  published  by 
several  English  wits  in  the  year  1711.  He  bought 
it,  read  it  over  and  over,  and  was  much  delighted 
with  it.  This  book  was  now  his  continual  study, 
and  he  himself  tried  to  write  as  much  as  possible  in 
its  very  pleasant  and  popular  style.  The  improve- 
ment which  he  made  was  encouraging,  and  led  him 
to  hope  he  might  some  day  become  a  good  English 
writer;  a  distinction  of  which  he  was  very  ambi- 
tious. 


CHAPTER    II. 

Franklin  gives  up  eating  Meat.  His  Economy  of  Time. 
Studies  Arithmetic.  James  Franklin  establishes  a 
Newspaper.  Benjamin  writes  for  it.  His  Brother  is 
imprisoned.  Benjamin  manages  the  Paper.  Leaves 
his  Brother.  Goes  to  Neiv  York.  Sails  thence  for 
Philadelphia.     Anecdote  of  the  Dutchman. 

1.  When  about  sixteen  years  of  age,  Franklin 
happened  to  meet  with  a  book  that  recommended 
a  vegetable  diet.     He  determined  to  adopt  it.     His 

20.  With  what  book  was  Franklin  at  this  lime  so  much  pleased  ? 
Did  he  attempt  to  imitate  it  ? 

1.  What  induced  Franklin  to  adopt  a  vegetable  diet? 


20  LIFE  OF   FRANKLIN'. 

brother,  being  unmarried,  did  not  keep  house,  but 
ooarded  himself  and  his  apprentices  in  another 
Family.  By  refusing  to  eat  meat,  Franklin  occa- 
sioned a  good  deal  of  inconvenience ;  and  he  was 
frequently  chid  for  his  singularity.  He  accordingly 
iearnedthe  manner  of  boiling  potatoes  and  rice,  and 
of  making  hasty-pudding,  and  then  proposed  to  his 
brother,  if  he  would  give  him,  weekly,  half  the  money 
he  paid  for  his  board,  to  board  himself.  His  brother 
instantly  agreed  to  it,  and  Franklin  soon  found  that 
he  could  save  half  of  what  he  received. 

2.  This  was  a  new  fund  for  buying  books.  But 
this  was  not  the  only  advantage.  When  his  brother 
and  the  apprentices  had  gone  to  their  meals,  he  was 
left  in  the  printing  office  alone.  He  immediately 
despatched  his  slight  repast,  which  was  often  no 
more  than  a  biscuit,  or  a  slice  of  bread  and  a  hand- 
ful of  raisins,  or  a  tart  from  the  pastry  cook's,  and 
a  glass  of  water,  and  had  the  rest  of  the  time  till 
their  return  for  study.  By  being  thus  economical 
of  his  time,  he  was  able  to  make  considerable  prog- 
ress in  his  books. 

3.  He  now  began  to  feel  the  want  of  a  knowl- 
edge of  figures,  and  was  once  very  much  mortified 
by  his  ignorance  of  them.  As  he  had  entirely  failed 
of  learning  them  at  school,  he  took  Cocker's  Arith- 
metic, and  went  through  the  whole  of  it  by  himself 

What  arrangement  did  he  make  wilh  his  brother  on  this  ac- 
count ?  2.  What  advantage  resulted  from  this  1  Describe  Ben- 
jamin's economy  of  time.     3.  How  did  he  learn  arithmetic  ? 


LIFE  OF   FRANKLIM  21 

with  the  greatest  ease.  The  mortification  he  had 
met  with  induced  him  to  make  great  exertions :  and 
we  can  succeed  in  any  thing  to  which  we  give  our 
earnest  attention. 

4.  While  he  was  intent  on  improving  his  lan- 
guage and  style,  Franklin  met  with  an  English 
grammar,  at  the  end  of  which  were  two  little 
sketches  on  the  arts  of  rhetoric  and  logic.  The 
latter  of  these  finished  with  a  dispute  in  the^  manner 
of  Socrates,  a  very  famous  philosopher  of  Greece. 
Franklin  was  charmed  with  this  modest  and  artful 
manner,  and  cured  himself  of  the  tricks  of  contra- 
diction and  too  much  positiveness.  These  habits 
are  very  disagreeable,  and  no  one  should  allow  him- 
self to  fall  into  them. 

5.  "  In  fact,  if  you  wish  to  instruct  others,"  says 
Franklin,  "  a  positive  and  dogmatical  manner  in 
advancing  your  sentiments  may  occasion  opposition, 
and  prevent  a  candid  attention.  If  you  desire  im- 
provement from  others,  you  should  not  at  the  same 
time  express  yourself  fixed  in  your  present  opinions. 
Modest  and  sensible  men,  who  do  not  love  disputa- 
tion, will  leave  you  undisturbed  in  the  possession  of 
your  errors.  In  adopting  such  a  manner,  you  can 
seldom  expect  to  please  your  hearers,  or  obtain  the 
concurrence  you  desire." 

6.  In  the  year  1720,  or  '21,  James  Franklin  be 

4.  With  what  treatise  was  Franklin  so  much  pleased  ?  Of  what 
disagreeable  habits  did  it  cure  him  ?  5.  What  advice  does  ha 
give  on  the  manner  of  conversation  ? 


22  LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN. 

gan  to  print  a  newspaper.  It  was  the  second  that 
appeared  in  America,  and  was  called  the  New 
England  Courant.  The  only  one  before  it  was  the 
Boston  News  Letter.  Some  of  his  friends  endeav- 
ored to  dissuade  him  from  the  undertaking.  They 
thought  it  would  not  succeed,  as,  in  their  opinion, 
one  newspaper  was  sufficient  for  all  America. 
There  are  now  in  the  United  States  alone,  over 
eight  hundred  newspapers. 

7.  The  undertaking,  however,  went  on.  Benja- 
min assisted  in  setting  the  types,  helped  to  print  off 
the  sheets,  and  was  then  employed  in  carrying  the 
papers  to  the  subscribers.  Several  men  of  informa- 
tion and  talents  wrote  little  pieces  for  the  paper, 
which  were  amusing,  and  gained  considerable  credit. 
These  gentlemen  often  visited  the  printing  office. 

8.  Hearing  their  conversations,  and  their  accounts 
of  the  praise  their  pieces  received  from  the  public, 
Benjamin  was  excited  to  try  his  fortune  among 
them.  He  was  afraid,  however,  as  he  was  still  a 
boy,  his  brother  would  object  to  print  any  thing  of 
his  composition  in  the  paper.  It  was  necessary, 
therefore,  to  disguise  his  hand-writing,  and  to  send 
his  piece  to  the  office  in  such  a  way  that  it  should 
not  be  known  from  whom  it  came. 

9.  When  his  friends  came  in,  James  showed  them 
the  communication  from  an  unknown  writer.    They 

6.  Who  printed  the  second  newspaper  in  New  England  ?  What 
was  it  called  ?  7.  How  was  Benjamin  connected  with  it  ?  8. 
What  first  induced  him  to  write  for  it  ?     Describe  his  first  atl 


LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN.  23 

read  it,  praised  it,  and  made  several  guesses  as  to 
the  author.  In  these  guesses  none  were  named  but 
men  of  some  character  for  talents  and  learning. 
They  never  once  suspected  it  was  written  by  the 
little  printer's  boy  who  stood  at  their  elbows,  chuck- 
ling in  silence  over  the  secret. 

10.  Encouraged  by  the  success  of  this  attempt, 
he  continued  to  write,  and  send  other  pieces  in  the 
same  way  to  the  press.  He  kept  his  secret  as  long 
as  he  saw  fit,  and  then  confessed  himself  the  author 
of  the  writings  they  had  been  so  long  guessing 
about.  Benjamin  now  began  to  be  more  noticed 
by  his  brother's  acquaintance,  which  made  him  a 
little  vain,  and  led  to  some  serious  difficulties. 

11.  His  brother,  notwithstanding  the  relationship 
between  them,  considered  himself  as  master,  and 
Benjamin  as  his  apprentice,  and  accordingly  ex- 
pected the  same  services  from  him  that  he  would 
from  another.  In  some  of  these  services  the  young 
printer  felt  himself  degraded,  and  thought  that  he 
should  receive  greater  indulgence.  His  brother  was 
passionate,  and  frequently  beat  him  ;  and,  finding  the 
apprenticeship  exceedingly  tedious,  Benjamin  was 
looking  forward  for  an  opportunity  to  shorten  it. 
This  at  length  happened  in  a  very  unexpected 
manner. 

12.  One  of  the  pieces  in  the  paper,  on  some  po- 

9.  How  was  his  communication  received  ?  10.  What  was  tho 
consequence  of  his  success?  11.  What  were  the  difficulties  be- 
tween the  brothers  ? 


24  LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN. 

iitical  subject,  gave  offence  to  the  Assembly,  one 
of  the  most  important  branches  of  the  government 
of  Massachusetts.  James  Franklin  was  taken  up, 
censured,  and  imprisoned  for  a  month,  because  he 
would  not  discover  the  author.  Benjamin  was  also 
called  up  and  examined  before  the  council ;  but,  con- 
sidering him  as  an  apprentice,  who  was  bound  to 
keep  his  master's  secret,  they  dismissed  him  with- 
out punishment. 

13.  During  his  brother's  confinement,  Benjamin 
had  the  management  of  the  paper,  and  indulged  in 
very  smart  remarks  upon  the  government.  This 
pleased  his  brother,  though  it  made  others  look  upon 
him  in  an  unfavorable  light,  as  a  youth  who  had  a 
turn  for  satire  and  libeling.  The  discharge  of  the 
imprisoned  printer  was  accompanied  with  an  order 
that  "  James  Franklin  should  no  longer  print  the 
newspaper  called  the  New  England  Courant." 

14.  On  a  consultation  held  at  the  printing  office,  it 
was  proposed  to  change  the  name  of  the  paper,  and 
in  this  manner  elude  the  order  of  the  council.  As 
there  were  many  difficulties  in  the  way  of  this  pro- 
ject, it  was  determined  to  let  the  paper  for  the  future 
be  printed  in  the  name  of  Benjamin  Franklin. 

15.  When  apprentices  are  bound  out,  it  is  usua. 
to  have  certain  agreements  drawn  up  between  them 

12.  What  happened  at  this  time  to  James  Franklin  1  13.  How 
did  Benjamin  conduct  the  paper  ?  What  was  the  order  of  the 
council  1  14.  How  was  it  evaded  1  15.  What  is  the  custom  iu 
binding  out  apprentices  ? 


LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN.  25 

and  their  masters,  seaied  and  signed  according  tft 
certain  forms  required  by  law.  These  papers  are 
called  indentures.  James  was  afraid  that  the  cen- 
sure of  the  Assembly  would  fall  on  him,  as  still 
printing  the  paper  by  his  apprentice,  and  contrived 
that  his  old  indenture  should  be  returned  to  Benja- 
min, with  a  discharge  on  the  back  of  it. 

1G.  This  was  to  be  shown  only  in  case  of  neces- 
sity ;  and  in  order  to  secure  his  services  for  the  re- 
mainder of  the  time,  it  was  agreed  that  Benjamin 
should  sign  new  indentures.  These  were  to  be 
kept  private.  This  was  a  very  flimsy  scheme,  but 
the  paper  continued  to  be  printed  in  this  manner  for 
several  months.  At  length  fresh  difficulties  arose, 
and  Benjamin  determined  to  take  advantage  of  his 
discharge ;  thinking  that  his  brother  would  be  afraid 
to  produce  the  new  indentures.  It  was  unfair  to 
take  this  advantage,  but  he  was  urged  to  it  by  very 
unkind  and  even  cruel  treatment. 

17.  When  his  brother  found  out  his  intentions,  he 
went  round  to  every  master  printer  in  town  to  pre- 
vent his  getting  employment.  In  consequence  of 
this,  he  concluded  to  remove  to  New  York;  that 
being  the  nearest  place  where  there  was  another 
printer.  His  father  opposed  his  removal,  and  took 
side  with  his  brother  in  the  dispute.  Benjamin  sold 
his  books  to  furnish  the  means  of  paying  his  passage, 

How  waj  Benjamin  discharged  from  his  indentures  ?  16.  What 
unfair  advantage  did  he  take  of  this  discharge?  17.  What  course 
did  his  brother  pursue  on  this  occasion  ?  His  father  ?    Benjamin  ? 

3  B 


26  LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN. 

went  privately  on  board  of  a  sloop,  had  a  fair  wind, 
and  in  three  days  found  himself  in  New  York,  three 
hundred  miles  from  home,  at  the  age  of  seventeen. 
There  was  no  one  in  the  place  whom  he  knew  ;  he 
was  without  any  recommendations,  and  had  very 
little  money  in  his  pocket. 

IS.  By  this  time  he  had  entirely  lost  all  his  love 
for  the  sea,  or  he  might  have  been  induced  to 
gratify  it.  Having  another  profession,  and  consid- 
ering himself  a  good  workman,  he  offered  his  ser- 
vices to  a  printer  of  the  place,  old  Mr.  W.  Bradford. 
This  man  had  been  the  first  printer  in  Pennsylvania, 
and  had  removed  from  there  in  consequence  of  a 
quarrel  with  the  governor,  General  Keith. 

19.  He  had  a  sufficient  number  of  workmen,  and 
little  to  do,  and  could  give  Franklin  no  employment. 
But  he  said,  "My  son,  at  Philadelphia,  has  lately 
lost  his  principal  hand,  Aquila  Rose,  by  death,  and 
if  you  go  thither,  I  believe  he  may  employ  you." 

20.  Philadelphia  was  one  hundred  miles  farther, 
but  Franklin  concluded  to  go  there.  In  crossing 
the  bay,  a  squall  struck  the  little  vessel  he  was  in, 
and  tore  her  rotten  sails  to  pieces.  She  was  driven 
upon  Long  Island. 

21.  On  the  way,  a  drunken  Dutchman,  who  was 
a  passenger  in  the  boat,  tumbled  overboard.  As  he 
was  sinking,  Franklin  reached  out  and  caught  him 

18.  To  whom  did  he  apply  for  emplo3'ment?  19.  With  what 
success?  20.  Where  did  he  determine  to  go?  21.  What  is  the 
anecdote  of  the  Dutchman  ? 


LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN.  27 

b}  a  very  bushy  head  of  hair,  and  drew  him  up 
again.  This  sobered  him  a  little,  and  he  went  to 
sleep,  having  first  taken  a  book  out  of  his  pocket, 
which  he  desired  Franklin  to  dry  for  him.  It 
proved  to  be  a  Dutch  copy  of  his  old  favorite  book, 
Bunyan's  Pilgrim's  Progress,  and  he  carefully 
complied  with  the  wish  of  the  sleepy  owner. 


CHAPTER  III. 

His  Journey.     His  Dinner  with  the  old  Gingerbread 

Woman.  Arrives  in  Philadelphia.  Anecdote  of  the 
Rolls.  Attends  the  Meeting  House  of  the  Quakers. 
Suspected  of  being  a  Runaway.  Employed  by  Keimcr. 
Noticed  by  Governor  Keith.    Visit  to  Boston.   Return, 

1.  On  approaching  the  island,  the  crew  found 
themselves  in  a  place  where  there  could  be  no  land- 
ing, as  it  was  a  stony  beach,  and  a  violent  surf  was 
rolling.  They  cast  anchor,  and  remained  in  that 
situation  through  the  night.  As  the  spray  dashed 
over  the  boat,  they  were  all,  in  a  very  short  time, 
as  wet  as  the  unfortunate  Dutchman.  The  wind 
went  down  on  the  next  morning,  and  they  were 
able  to  reach  Amboy  before  night ;  having  been 
thirty  hours  on  the  water,  without  victuals,  or  any 
drink  but  a  bottle  of  dirty  rum. 

2.  In  the  evening,  Franklin  found  himself  fever- 

1.  What  was  (lie  situation  of  the  crew  on  the  water  1 


28  LIFE  OF   FRANKLIN. 

ish,  and  went  to  bed.  As  he  drank  plentifully  of 
cold  water,  his  fever  left  him,  and  in  the  morning 
he  proceeded  on  his  journey.  After  crossing  the 
ferry,  he  travelled  on  foot,  notwithstanding  a  violent 
rain,  till  noon.  Being  now  thoroughly  soaked  and 
tired,  he  stopped  at  a  poor  inn,  where  he  spent  the 
remainder  of  the  day,  and  all  night.     >^ 

3.  He  now  began  to  wish  that  he  had  never  left 
home.  His  prospect  of  procuring  employment,  even 
when  he  should  arrive  at  Philadelphia,  was  uncer- 
tain. He  thought  of  the  distress  his  sudden  disap- 
pearance must  have  occasioned  to  his  parents. 
Besides  all  this,  he  made  such  a  sorry  figure  that 
he  was  suspected  of  being  a  runaway  servant,  and 
in  danger  of  being  taken  up  on  that  suspicion. 

4.  On  the  next  day,  however,  he  continued  his 
journey,  and  arrived  that  night  at  an  inn,  within 
eight  or  ten  miles  of  Burlington.  The  next  morn- 
ing he  reached  Burlington,  where  he  expected  to 
find  boats  to  sail  immediately  for  Philadelphia.  It 
was  Saturday,  and  he  had  the  mortification  to  find 
that  the  regular  boats  had  just  gone,  and  that  no 
others  were  expected  to  sail  before  Tuesday. 

5.  Franklin  returned  to  the  shop  of  an  old  woman, 
of  whom  he  had  bought  some  gingerbread  to  eat  on 
his  passage,  and  asked  her  where  he  had  better  go 
to  find  lodgings.     She  proposed  to  lodge  him  in  her 

2.  How  did  Franklin  pursue  his  journey  1  3.  What  were  his 
fears  ?  5.  Describe  the  treatment  Franklin  received  from  the  old 
woman. 


LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN.  2SJ 

own  house,  till  a  passage,  by  some  other  boat,  of- 
fered itself.  He  accepted  the  invitation,  and  dined 
with  the  old  woman  that  day  on  ox-cheek.  All  that 
she  would  take  in  return  was  a  pot  of  ale. 

6.  Franklin  had  supposed  himself  fixed  till  the 
next  Tuesday,  but  as  he  was  walking,  in  the  even- 
ing, by  the  side  of  the  river,  a  boat  passed  by,  with 
several  people,  going  to  Philadelphia.  They  took 
him  in,  and  proceeded  on  their  voyage.  The 
weather  was  very  calm,  without  a  breath  of  wind 
stirring.  They  were  obliged  to  row  all  the  way. 
Reaching  Philadelphia  about  eight  or  nine  o'clock 
on  Sunday  morning,  they  landed  at  Market  street 
wharf. 

7.  Our  young  traveller  had  sent  his  best  clothes 
by  another  conveyance  from  New  York,  and  he 
was  in  his  old  working  dress.  His  pockets  were 
stuffed  out  with  shirts  and  stockings,  and  he  knew 
not  where  to  look  for  lodgings.  He  was  tired  with 
walking,  rowing,  and  want  of  sleep,  and  was,  besides, 
very  hungry.  His  whole  stock  of  cash  was  a  single 
silver  dollar  and  about  a  shilling  in  copper  coin. 
The  copper  he  gave  to  the  boatmen  for  his  passage. 

8.  As  he  walked  along  the  street,  gazing  at  the 
new  things  he  saw,  and  wondering  what  would  be 
the  end  of  his  trouble,  he  met  a  boy  with  some  bread. 
Inquiring  where  he  had  bought  it,  Franklin  went 
immediately  to  the  place  where  he  was  directed, 

C.  How  did  he  get  to  Philadelphia  ?  7.  Describe  his  appear- 
ance on  his  first  arrival  there. 

:]  * 


LIFE  Of    FUANKIJIM 


Franklin  walking  in  the  streets  of  Philadelphia 


LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN.  ,11 

and  asked  for  three-pence  worth  of  bread.  He  re- 
ceived three  large  puffy  rolls,  and,  having  no  room 
in  his  pockets,  walked  off,  with  a  roll  under  each 
arm,  and  eating  the  third. 

9.  In  this  manner  he  walked  up  Market  street, 
as  far  as  Fourth  street,  passing  by  the  house  of  Mr. 
Head,  whose  daughter  he  afterwards  married.  This 
young  lady  was  standing  at  the  door  as  he  went  by, 
and  probably  thought  he  made  rather  an  awkward 
appearance.  After  walking  about  the  streets  some 
time,  eating  his  roll,  he  found  himself  again  in  the 
neighborhood  of  the  wharf  where  he  had  landed. 
He  went  on  board  of  the  boat,  and  gave  his  two 
remaining  rolls  to  a  woman  and  child  that  had  been 
his  fellow-passengers  down  the  river. 

10.  He  again  walked  up  the  street,  which  was, 
by  that  time,  filled  with  a  large  number  of  neat, 
well-dressed  people,  who  were  all  walking  the  same 
way.  He  joined  them,  and  was  led  into  the  great 
meeting  house  of  the  Quakers,  near  the  market. 
Sitting  down  among  them,  he  looked  round  awhile, 
and,  as  nothing  was  said,  fell  fast  asleep  from  drow- 
siness. His  nap  continued  till  the  meeting  broke 
up,  when  some  one  was  kind  enough  to  awake  him. 

1 1.  He  then  walked  down  towards  the  river,  and 
meeting  a  young  duaker,  whose  countenance 
pleased  him,  he  asked  where  a  stranger  could  get 
lodgings.  They  were  then  near  a  house  with  the 
sign  of  the   Three  Mariners.      "Here,"   said  the 

10,  Relate  his  ndvenlun?  in  tho  merino-  lionso 


32  LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN . 

Quaker,  "  is  a  house  where  they  receive  strangers, 
but  it  is  not  a  reputable  one  ;  if  thou  wilt  walk  with 
me,  I'll  show  thee  a  better."  He  conducted  Frank- 
lin to  the  Crooked  Billet,  in  Water  street. 

12.  There  he  dined,  and  during  the  dinner  sev- 
eral questions  were  put  to  him,  by  persons  who  sup- 
posed him  to  be  a  runaway.  On  the  next  morning, 
he  dressed  himself  as  neatly  as  he  could,  and  went 
to  see  Andrew  Bradford,  the  printer.  Here  he 
found  the  old  gentleman,  whom  he  had  met  in  New 
York,  and  who,  travelling  on  horseback,  had  got  to 
Philadelphia  before  him. 

13.  Mr.  Bradford  received  him  very  kindly,  but, 
as  he  was  not  at  that  time  in  want  of  a  hand,  could 
only  recommend  him  to  a  printer,  who  had  lately 
set  up  in  town,  by  the  name  of  Keimer.  This  man 
had  then  nothing  for  him  to  do,  but  promised  him 
employment  soon.  Meanwhile,  he  was  invited  to 
lodge  with  Mr.  Bradford,  and  to  assist  when  there 
was  any  extra  work  in  the  printing  omce. 

14.  Franklin  soon  found  that  neither  of  the  print- 
ers knew  any  thing  about  their  business.  Keimer 
was,  before  long,  able  to  give  him  constant  employ- 
ment. He  did  not  like,  however,  that  any  one 
should  live  with  his  rival,  Bradford,  while  he  worked 
for  him.  Lodgings  were,  therefore,  procured  for 
Franklin,  with  Mr.  Read,  whose  house  he  had 
passed  on  his  first  arrival,  while  eating  his  roll. 

11.  Where  did  he  first  lodge  in  Philadelphia  ?  13.  Where  did 
he  obtain  employment  ? 


^IFE  OF  FRANKLIN.  33 

15.  He  had  now  made  some  acquaintances  about 
town,  and  passed  his  time  very  pleasantly.  By  in- 
dustry and  frugality  he  gained  money,  and  gave  up 
all  thoughts  of  returning  to  Boston.  The  governor 
of  the  province,  Sir  William  Keith,  had  accidentally 
become  acquainted  with  him,  and  was  desirous  that 
he  should  set  up  in  business  for  himself,  in  Phila- 
delphia. He  promised  to  procure  for  him  the  pub- 
lic printing  of  the  government,  and  to  assist  him,  as 
much  as  possible,  by  his  influence  and  patronage. 

16.  It  was  concluded  that  Franklin  should  return 
to  Boston,  with  a  letter  from  the  governor,  to  prevail 
upon  his  father  to  assist  him  in  the  establishment. 
Towards  the  end  of  April,  in  1724,  he  left  Phila- 
delphia for  this  purpose. 

17.  He  sailed  in  a  little  vessel  that  was  bound  for 
Boston,  and,  in  about  a  fortnight,  was  safe  in  his 
father's  house.  His  sudden  appearance  surprised 
the  family  very  much,  but  they  were  all  delighted 
to  see  him,  and  treated  him  with  great  kindness. 

18.  Soon  after  his  arrival,  he  paid  a  visit  to  his 
brother,  at  the  printing  office.  He  had  on  a  new 
suit  of  clothes,  wore  a  watch,  and  had  about  five 
pounds,  in  silver,  in  his  pockets.  Feeling  rather 
elated  by  the  success  he  had  met  with,  he  made 
quite  a  display  of  all  his  good  fortune  before  his 
brother's  apprentices  and  journeymen,  and  ended 

15.  How  did  Franklin  succeed,  and  how  did  be  pass  his  time  7 
What  was   the  promise   of  Sir  William   Keith  1     16.  Why  did 
Franklin  go  to  Boston  ?     18.  Describe  his  visit  to  his  brother. 
R  9 


'M  LIFE  OF  FRANK  UN 

by  giving  them  a  dollar  to  drink  his  health  with. 
This  visit  offended  his  brother  very  much,  for  he 
thought  it  was  intended  to  mortify  him. 

19.  The  letter  of  the  governor  was  without  any 
effect.  His  father  was  very  glad  that  Benjamin  had 
been  able  to  gain  the  confidence  of  so  eminent  a 
man,  but  would  not  consent  to  his  request.  He 
wrote  a  civil  letter,  thanking  Sir  William  for  his 
promise  of  patronage,  but  saying,  that  his  son  was 
altogether  too  young  to  be  intrusted  with  the  man- 
agement of  so  important  and  expensive  an  under- 
taking. 

20.  Franklin  gave  so  pleasant  an  account  of 
Philadelphia,  that  his  old  friend  Collins  determined 
to  go  on  and  try  his  fortune  there.  Seeing  no  pros- 
pect of  restoring  harmony  between  the  two  brothers, 
his  father  consented  that  Benjamin  should  return  to 
Philadelphia.  He  advised  him  to  steady  industry 
and  frugality,  and  promised  to  assist  in  setting  him 
up  in  business,  when  he  should  reach  the  age  of 
twenty-one.  With  the  approbation  and  blessing  of 
his  parents  to  follow  him,  he  embarked  for  New- 
York,  on  the  way  to  his  future  home. 

19.  How  did  his  father  receive  the  governor's  letter?  20. 
What  were  his  advice  and  promise  to  Benjamin  ? 


LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN.  35 


CHAPTER  IV. 

Finds  his  Friend  Collins  in  JYeiv  York.  Visit  to  the 
Governor.  Promises  from  Governor  Keith.  Project 
of  a  new  religious  Sect.  Anecdote  of  Keimer  and  the 
roast  Pig.  His  principal  Acquaintance.  A  lite- 
rary Trick.  Prepares  to  go  to  London.  The  Gov- 
ernors Deception.     Arrival  in  London. 

1.  At  New  York  Franklin  found  his  friend  Col- 
rins,  who  had  arrived  there  some  time  before  him 
They  had  been  intimate  from  childhood,  and  he 
had  been  sober  and  industrious.  But  during  Frank- 
lin's absence  in  Philadelphia,  Collins  had  fallen  into 
bad  habits,  and  become  a  drunkard.  He  gamed, 
and  lost  his  money,  and  borrowed  of  his  friend,  to 
pay  his  expenses  on  the  road. 

2.  The  governor  of  New  York,  hearing  from  the 
captain  that  one  of  his  passengers  had  a  great  many 
books  on  board,  requested  that  he  might  be  brought 
to  see  him.  Franklin,  accordingly,  waited  upon 
him.  He  was  received  with  great  civility.  The 
governor  showed  him  his  library,  which  was  a  con- 
siderable one,  and  they  had  a  good  deal  of  conver- 
sation about  books  and  authors.  This  attention 
was  very  pleasing  to  Franklin. 

3.  When  they  arrived   at  Philadelphia,   Collins 

1.  What  happened  to  his  friend  Collins?  2.  What  attention  did 
Franklin  receive  from  the  governor  of  New  York  ? 


1J0  LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN. 

continued  to  drink,  and  was,  consequently,  unable 
to  procure  any  business.  He  continued  to  borrow 
money  of  Franklin,  and  finally  quarrelled  with  him, 
and  went  to  the  West  Indies.  Franklin  never 
heard  of  him  afterwards. 

4.  Sir  William  Keith  received  the  young  printer, 
on  his  return,  with  a  great  show  of  kindness,  and 
large  promises.  "  Since  your  father  will  not  set 
you  up,"  he  said  to  him,  "  I  will  do  it  myself.  Give 
me  a  list  of  the  things  necessary  to  be  had  from 
England,  and  I  will  send  for  them.  You  shall  re- 
pay me  when  you  are  able.  I  am  resolved  to  have 
a  good  printer  here,  and  I  am  sure  you  must  suc- 
ceed." This  was  spoken  with  an  air  of  perfect 
sincerity,  and  Franklin  had  not  the  least  doubt  but 
that  he  meant  what  he  said. 

5.  He  accordingly  made  a  list  of  all  the  articles 
that  woaid  be  wanted  for  a  printing  house,  the  cost 
of  which  was  about  one  hundred  pounds.  The 
governor  liked  it,  and  asked  whether  it  would  not 
be  well  for  him  to  go  to  England  himself,  in  order 
to  select  the  types,  and  see  that  every  thing  was  of 
the  best  kind.  "When  there,"  he  added,  "you 
may  make  acquaintance,  and  establish  correspond- 
ence in  the  bookselling  and  stationery  waj." 

6.  Franklin  thought  that  it  might  be  advan- 
tageous. "  Then,"  said  he,  "  get  yourself  ready  *o 
go  in  the  Annis,"  which  was  the  annual  ship,  and 

4.  What  was  Sir  William  Keith's  conduct  ?  5.  What  was  the 
proposed  visit  to  England  t 


LIFE  OF   FRANKLIN.  37 

dt  that  time  the  only  one  passing  between  London 
and  Philadelphia.  But,  as  it  would  be  some  months 
before  the  Annis  sailed,  Franklin  continued  to  work 
with  Keimer. 

7.  They  agreed  together  very  well,  and  lived  on 
quite  a  familiar  footing.  Franklin  used  sometimes 
to  argue  with  his  master,  and  would  most  frequently 
beat  him.  This  gave  him  so  great  an  idea  of 
Franklin's  ability  in  disputation,  that  he  proposed 
to  him  to  become  his  assistant  in  a  new  religious 
sect  which  he  proposed  to  establish.  One  was  to 
preach  the  doctrines,  and  the  other  to  confound  all 
opponents. 

8.  When  they  came  to  explain  with  each  other 
upon  their  doctrines,  Keimer  was  desirous  of  intro- 
ducing certain  customs,  which  did  not  entirely  meet 
the  wishes  of  his  colleague.  Among  other  things, 
he  wore  his  beard  at  full  length;  because,  some- 
where in  the  Mosaic  law,  it  is  said,  "  Thou  shalt 
not,  mar  the  corners  of  thy  beard  "  He  likewise 
kept  the  seventh  day  sabbath,  instead  of  the  first ; 
and  both  of  these  points  he  considered  essential. 

9.  Franklin  disliked  both,  but  agreed  to  them  on 
condition  of  his  adopting  the  doctrine  not  to  use 
animal  food.  Keimer  was  a  great  eater,  and  was 
not  much  pleased  with  the  idea  of  being  starved  ; 
V>ut  he  consented  to  try  the  practice  a  few  weeks 
and  see  how  it  agreed  with  his  constitution. 

7.  What  started  the  sc'iemre  of  a  new  «ect  1  8.  Why  did  it 
foil? 

4 


38  LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN. 

1.0.  They  held  to  this  plan  for  three  months. 
Their  provisions  were  purchased,  cooked,  and 
brought  to  them  regularly  by  a  woman  in  the  neigh- 
borhood, who  prepared,  at  different  times,  forty 
dishes,  in  which  there  were  neither  fish,  flesh,  nor 
fowl.  Franklin  went  on  well  enough,  but  poor 
Keimer  suffered  grievously,  grew  tired  of  the  project, 
and  ordered  a  roast  pig.  He  invited  some  friends 
to  dine  with  him  upon  the  occasion,  but  the  pig 
being  brought  too  soon  upon  the  table,  he  could  not 
resist  the  temptation,  but  ate  the  whole- before  his 
company  came. 

11.  During  this  time,  Franklin  had  contracted 
an  affection  for  Miss  Read,  and  believed  that  she 
was  not  altogether  indifferent  in  her  feelings  towards 
him.  As  he  was  about  to  take  a  long  voyage,  how- 
ever, and  as  they  were  both  very  young,  her  mother 
thought  it  most  prudent  to  defer  the  matter  till  his 
return  from  England. 

12.  His  chief  acquaintance,  at  this  period,  were 
Charles  Osborne,  Joseph  Watson,  and  James  Ralph, 
all  lovers  of  reading.  In  one  of  their  meetings,  i\ 
was  proposed  that  at  a  certain  time  each  of  them 
should  produce  a  piece  of  his  own  composition,  in 
order  to  improve,  by  mutual  observations  and  cor 
sections.  They  agreed  that  this  task  should  be  to 
turn  the  eighteenth  psalm  into  verse. 

10.  Relate  the  anecdote  of  Keimer  arid  the  roast  pig.  12.  Who 
were  his  chief  acquaintance  at  this  periol  ?  What  was  the  task 
[Toposed  among:  the*n  ? 


LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN.  39 

13.  When  the  time  of  the  meeting  drew  nign, 
Ralph  called  upon  Franklin,  and  told  him  that  his 
piece  was  ready.  "  Now,"  said  he,  "  Osborne 
never  will  allow  the  least  merit  in  any  thing  of  mine, 
but  makes  a  thousand  criticisms,  out  of  mere  envy. 
I  wish,  therefore,  you  would  take  this  piece  and 
produce  it  as  yours;  we  shall  then  hear  what  he 
will  say  to  it." 

14.  It  was  agreed.  At  the  meeting,  Watson's 
performance  was  read  first ;  there  were  some  beau- 
ties in  it  and  many  defects.  Osborne's  piece  was 
then  read,  and  was  much  better.  Ralph  had  nothing 
to  produce.  It  was  now  Franklin's  turn.  He  was 
backward,  wished  to  be  excused,  but  no  excuse 
would  be  received.  The  piece  he  brought  with  him 
was  read,  and  repeated.  Osborne  was  delighted 
with  it,  and  praised  it  in  the  highest  terms. 

15.  As  he  was  returning  home  with  Ralph,  he 
expressed  himself  still  more  strongly.  "  Who  would 
have  imagined,"  said  he,  "that  Franklin  was  ca- 
pable of  such  a  performance !  such  painting,  such 
force,  such  fire !  He  has  even  improved  on  the 
original.  In  common  conversation  he  seems  to 
have  no  choice  of  words  ;  he  hesitates  and  blunders  ; 
and  yet  how  he  writes  !"  When  they  next  met,  the 
trick  was  discovered,  and  Osborne  was  laughed  at 
for  praising  Ralph,  by  mistake. 

1G.  The  governor  sent  for  Franklin  frequently  to 
his  house,  and  always  spoke  of  setting  him  up  in 

14.  What  was  the  trick  played  upon  Osborne  1 


40  LIFE  OF    FRANKLIN. 

business,  as  a  settled  thing.  He  was  to  be  furnished 
^vith  letters  to  the  governor's  friends  in  England, 
and  with  an  order  for  the  money  to  purchase  a  press, 
types,  and  paper.  For  these  letters  he  was  to  call 
at  a  certain  time,  when  they  would  be  ready.  They 
were  delayed,  however,  again  and  again,  till  the 
ship  was  on  the  point  of  sailing.       i 

17.  When  Franklin  went  to  take  leave,  and  re- 
ceive the  letters,  the  secretary  came  out  and  said, 
that  the  governor  was  very  busy  on  business  of  im- 
portance, but  that  he  would  send  the  letters  on  board, 
wishing  him  a  good  voyage  and  a  speedy  return. 

18.  Understanding  that  despatches  had  been 
brought  on  board,  from  the  governor,  Franklin  asked 
the  captain  for  the  letters  that  were  to  be  under  his 
care.  The  captain  told  him  that  they  had  all  been 
put  into  the  bag  together,  and  he  could  not  then 
come  at  them ;  but  that  before  they  landed  in  Eng- 
land, he  should  have  an  opportunity  of  picking  them 
out.  This  satisfied  him  for  the  present,  and  he 
thought  nothing  more  of  it  during  the  voyage. 

19.  When  they  arrived  in  the  Channel,  the  cap- 
tain kept  his  word,  and  permitted  him  to  examine 
the  bag,  for  the  governor's  letters.  He  found  some 
upon  which  his  name  was  put,  and  picked  out  six 
or  seven,  which  he  thought  might  be  the  promise } 
letters.  One  of  these  was  addressed  to  Basket,  the 
king's  printer,  and  another  to  some  stationer. 

17.  What  was  the  conduct  of  the  governor?  18.  Did  Franklin 
receive  the  letters  promised  by  the  governor  ? 


LIFE  OF   FRANKLIN.  41 

20.  They  reached  London  on  the  twenty-fourth 
of  December,  1724.  Franklin  waited  upon  the  sta- 
tioner, who  came  first  in  his  way,  and  delivered  the 
letter  as  from  Governor  Keith.  "  I  don't  know  such 
a  person,"  said  he  ;  but  opening  the  letter — "  O ! 
this  is  from  Riddlesden  ;  I  have  lately  found  him  to 
be  a  complete  rascal,  and  I  will  have  nothing  to  do 
with  him,  nor  receive  any  letters  from  him."  Re- 
turning the  letter,  he  turned  upon  his  heel  and  went 
to  wait  upon  some  customer. 

21.  It  turned  out  that  the  governor  had  sent  no 
tetters  by  Franklin,  but  had  completely  deceived 
him.  With  no  intention  of  giving  him  any  assist- 
ance, he  had  blinded  him  with  brilliant  promises 
and  false  hopes.  But  Franklin  was  able  to  assist 
himself.  He  determined  to  procure  employment 
among  the  printers  in  London,  and  acquire  a  thor- 
ough knowledge  of  his  profession  before  he  returned 
to  America. 

20.  What  was  the  fate  of  Franklin's  first  letter  of  introduction  I 
21 .  What  course  did  Franklin  determine  to  pursue  1 

4* 


42 


IFE  OF  FRANKLIN 


Franklin  delivering  his  letter  to  the  Stationer  in  London. 


UFi-  OF  FRANKLIN.  43 


CHAPTER  V, 

Troubled  by  his  Friend  Ralph.  Obtains  Employment. 
Ralph  turns  Schoolmaster,  and  begins  an  Epic  Poem. 
Franklin  teaches  some  of  his  Friends  to  swim.  Anec- 
dote of  Mr.  Denham.  Return  to  Philadelphia.  Story 
of  George  Webb.  Franklin  quarrels  with  Keimer. 
Returns  to  work  for  him.  Employed  at  Burlington. 
Leaves  Keimer. 

1.  His  friend  Ralph  had  accompanied  Franklin  to 
London,  and  they  were  now  inseparable  companions. 
They  took  lodgings  together,  at  three  shillings  and 
sixpence  a  week.  Ralph  appears  to  have  been  a 
conceited  and  helpless  character,  and  made  several 
attempts  to  get  in  the  way  of  procuring  a  livelihood. 
But  all  his  plans  were  unsuccessful. 

2.  Franklin  immediately  procured  employment 
at  an  extensive  printing  house,  where  he  remained 
nearly  a  year.  He  was  diligent  in  work,  but  his 
shiftless  companion  consumed  a  good  share  of  his 
earnings.  His  engagements  with  Miss  Read  he 
ivas  thoughtless  and  heartless  enough  to  forget,  and 
never  wrote  to  her  but  once  daring  his  absence 
This  conduct  he  afterwards  considered  among  the 
greatest  faults  of  his  life. 

3.  Ralph  finally  determined  to  leave  London,  and 

2.  Where  did  Franklin  procure  employment  ?  3.  What  was 
'lio  course  of  his  friend  Ralph  ? 


44  IAFE  OF  FRANKLIN. 

take  a  school  in  the  country.  As  he  was  very  vain, 
and  confident  of  rising  to  literary  eminence,  he  was 
rather  ashamed  of  what  he  was  silly  enough  to  con- 
sider a  mean  occupation.  He  accordingly  changed 
his  name,  and  took  that  of  his  companion  ;  desiring 
him  to  address  his  letters  to  "  Mr.  Franklin,  school- 
master." 

4.  Ralph  continued  to  write,  and,  from  time  to 
time,  troubled  his  friend  with  long  extracts  from  an 
epic  poem,  which  he  was  then  composing,  request- 
ing his  remarks  and  corrections.  Franklin  en- 
deavored to  discourage  him  from  this  undertaking, 
but  in  vain.  Sheet  after  sheet  continued  to  come 
by  every  post.  Some  difficulties  at  length  broke  out 
between  the  two  friends,  and  Franklin  was  fortu- 
nately relieved  of  a  burdensome  dependent. 

5.  He  now  began  to  think  of  laying  up  a  little 
money;  and,  in  expectation  of  better  employment, 
entered  a  still  larger  printing  house,  near  Lincoln's 
Inn  Fields.  His  new  employer  was  named  Watts. 
At  this  place  he  became  acquainted  with  a  man  by 
the  name  of  Wygate,  who  had  been  well  educated, 
read  French  and  Latin,  and  loved  reading. 

6.  This  man  and  a  friend  of  his  were  desirous  of 
learning  to  swim.  Franklin  had  been  an  expert 
swimmer  from  his  childhood,  and  was  very  fond  of 
displaying  his  feats  of  activity  in  the  water.  He 
taught  them  to  swim,  after  twice  going  into  the 
river,  and  they  soon  became  quite  skilful.     Wygate 

5.  What  new  friend  did  Franklin  make' 


LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN.  46 

soon  became  attached  to  Franklin,  and,  at  length, 
proposed  that  they  should  travel  all  over  Europe 
together,  supporting  themselves  on  the  way  by  work- 
ing at  their  trade.  Franklin  was  inclined  to  this 
plan,  but  was  dissuaded  from  it  by  his  friend,  Mr. 
Denham,  who  advised  him  to  think  of  returning  to 
Philadelphia. 

7.  Mr.  Denham  was  an  excellent  man,  and  very 
kindly  disposed  towards  Franklin.  He  had  formerly 
been  in  business  in  Bristol,  a  city  of  England,  but 
failing,  and  making  a  settlement  with  his  creditors, 
he  went  to  America.  He  had  obtained  a  discharge 
from  all  his  debts,  by  giving  up  all  his  property. 
By  great  industry  and  economy,  he  was  able  to  ac- 
quire a  large  fortune,  in  a  few  years. 

8.  He  had  returned  to  England,  in  the  same  ship 
with  Franklin,  and  immediately  visited  his  old  place 
of  business.  While  here,  he  invited  all  his  old 
creditors  to  an  entertainment.  He  then  thanked 
them  for  the  easy  settlement  they  had  favored  him 
with  ;  and,  when  they  expected  nothing  but  the  din- 
ner, every  man  found,  under  his  plate,  an  order  on 
the  banker,  for  the  full  amount  of  the  unpaid  re- 
mainder, with  interest. 

9.  Mr.  Denham  was  now  about  to  return  to  Phil- 
adelphia, and  proposed  to  take  Franklin  over  as  his 
clerk,      vie  promised  him,  as  soon  as  he  became 

6.  Whet  proposition  did  he  make  to  Franklin  ?  Why  was  not 
Uie  plaD  carried  into  execution?  7.  Who  was  Mr.  Denham? 
&  JJe'cnne  his  honorable  conduct  towards  his  old  creditors.  9 
V*\»a.i  nroposal  did  he  make  to  Franklin  1 


46  LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN. 

acquainted  with  mercantile  business,  to  promoto 
him,  and  finally  establish  him  in  some  profitable 
situation.  The  plan  pleased  Franklin,  for  he  had 
become  heartily  tired  of  London,  and  was  anxious 
to  return  home.  A  satisfactory  arrangement  was 
made,  and  Franklin  took  leave  of  printing,  as  he 
thought,  forever. 

10.  He  had  thus  spent  about  eighteen  months  in 
London,  and,  during  this  time,  had  increased  his 
knowledge,  though  he  had  not  improved  his  fortune. 
They  sailed  from  Gravesend,  near  the  mouth  of  the 
river  Thames,  on  the  23d  of  July,  and  arrived  in 
Philadelphia  early  in  October.  Franklin  here  found 
several  alterations.  Keith  was  no  longer  governor, 
and  his  place  had  been  supplied  by  Major  Gordon. 
Miss  Read,  despairing  of  his  return,  had  been  per- 
suaded by  her  friends  to  marry  a  man  by  the  name 
of  Rogers,  a  worthless  fellow,  who  left  her,  and  ran 
away  to  the  West  Indies. 

11.  Mr.  Denham  took  a  store,  and  Franklin  at- 
tended diligently  to  the  business.  Affairs  were  go- 
ing on  prosperously,  when  they  were  both  taken  vi- 
olently ill,  in  the  beginning  of  the  year  1727.  Mr. 
Denham  died,  after  a  long  sickness,  and  Franklin 
was  again  thrown  upon  the  world.  He  tried  for 
some  time  to  obtain  a  situation  as  a  merchant's  clerk, 
but,  failing  in  this  attempt,  he  again  made  an  en- 
gagement with  his  old  master,  Keimer. 

10.  How  long  was  Franklin  in  London  1  What  changes  had 
taken  place  during  his  absence?  11.  How  was  Franklin  again 
thrown  upon  the  world  ?     What  employment  did  he  obtain  7 


LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN.  7 

12.  Keimer  was  anxious  to  obtain  Franklin's 
services,  as  most  of  his  hands  were  ignorant  and 
needed  his  instruction.  Among  these  workmen 
was  George  Webb,  who  had  been  an  Oxford  scholar, 
and  whose  story  was  an  uncommon  instance  of  op- 
portunities neglected  and  thrown  away. 

13.  He  was  about  eighteen  years  of  age.  His 
birthplace  was  Gloucester,  in  England,  where  he 
was  educated  at  a  grammar  school,  and  had  been 
distinguished  when  they  exhibited  plays.  From 
here,  he  was  sent  to  Oxford,  where  he  continued 
about  a  year,  but  not  contentedly  ;  wishing,  of  all 
things,  to  see  London,  and  become  a  player. 

14.  At  length,  receiving  his  quarterly  allowance 
of  fifteen  guineas,  instead  of  discharging  his  debts, 
he  went  out  of  town,  hid  his  gown  in  a  bush,  and 
walked  to  London.  When  here,  having  no  friend 
to  advise  him,  he  fell  into  bad  company,  soon  spent 
his  guineas,  found  no  means  of  being  introduced 
among  the  players,  grew  poor,  pawned  his  clothes, 
and  wanted  bread. 

15.  Walking  about  the  streets,  very  hungry,  and 
not  knowing  what  to  do,  a  bill  was  put  into  his  hands, 
offering  immediate  entertainment  and  encourage- 
ment to  such  as  would  bind  themselves  to  serve  in 
America.  He  went  directly  to  sign  the  indentures, 
was  put  into  the  ship,  and  sailed  without  writing  a 
line  to  his  friends,  to  tell  them  what  had  become  of 
him.     As  a   companion,  he  was  lively,  witty,  and 

12.  w 


48  LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN. 

good-natured  ;  but  idle,  thoughtless,  and  imprudent 
to  the  last  degree. 

16.  After  continuing  a  while  with  Keimer,  Frank- 
lin found  that  his  services  became  every  day  of  less 
importance.  At  length  a  trifle  snapped  their  con- 
nection. A  great  noise  happening  near  the  printing 
office,  Franklin  put  his  head  out  of  the  window  to 
see  what  was  the  matter.  Keimer,  being  in  the 
street,  looked  up,  and  called  out  to  him,  in  a  loud 
and  angry  tone,  to  mind  his  business.  A  number 
of  neighbors,  who  were  standing  by,  saw  the  inso- 
lent manner  in  which  he  was  treated,  and  it  ",-exed 
him  exceedingly.  An  open  quarrel  ensued,  and 
Franklin  left  the  printing  house. 

17.  Keimer  was  very  desirous  of  persuading  hirn 
to  return  ;  and,  as  it  was  for  the  interest  of  both  that 
harmony  should  be  restored,  the  quarrel  was  soon 
forgotten.  A  job  was  now  obtained  in  New  Jersey, 
to  print  some  paper  money.  Franklin  contrived  a 
copperplate  press  for  the  purpose,  the  first  that  had 
been  seen  in  the  country ;  he  also  cut  several  orna- 
ments and  checks  for  the  bills. 

18.  To  execute  this  job,  Franklin  and  his  em- 
ployer went  to  Burlington.  They  performed  it  to 
the  satisfaction  of  the  government,  and  received  a 
large  compensation.  During  his  short  residence 
here,    Franklin    made    many     acquaintance     and 

16.  How  did  Franklin  quarrel  with  Keimer?  17.  Who  con 
rived  the  first  copperplate  press  ever  se^n  in  this  countrv?     18 

fn,..^-*   *■"■*■"« "if^'sencc:      n.   How  was  1 1 ' 

thrown  upon  the  world  1     What  employment  did  he  obtain  1 


LIFE  OF  FRAMiLLW  49 

friends.  One  of  them  was  I^aac  Decon,  the  sur- 
veyor-general, a  shrewd,  sagacious  old  man,  who 
began,  when  young,  by  wheeling  clay  for  the  brick- 
makers.  He  learned  to  write  after  he  was  twenty- 
one  years  of  age,  afterwards  learned  surveying,  and 
had  now  acquired,  by  his  industry,  a  considerable 
property. 

19.  What  had  chiefly  induced  Franklin  to  return 
to  Keiiner,  after  his  quarrel,  was  the  persuasion  of 
a  fellow-workman,  by  the  name  of  Meredith.  The 
father  of  this  young  man  had  promised  to  advance 
money  to  establish  him  in  business,  in  the  ensuing 
spring,  and  he  was  desirous  to  set  Franklin's  skill 
against  his  own  capital,  and  form  a  copartnership. 
The  proposal  was  a  fair  one,  and  acceptable  upon 
both  sides. 

20.  A  short  time  after  their  return  from  Burling- 
ton, the  types  that  Meredith  had  ordered  arrived 
from  London.  They  settled  with  Keimer,  and  left 
him,  by  his  consent,  before  he  knew  any  thing  about 
their  project. 


19.  What  induced  Franklin  to  return  to  Keimer,  after  the  sep- 
aration ?  What  was  the  proposal  of  Meredith  ?  20.  When  did 
lliey  leave  Keimer  ? 


50  LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN 


CHAPTER  VI. 

The  Junto.  A  new  Paper  started  by  Keimer.  Frank- 
lin purchases  it.  Difficulties  in  their  Business.  A 
Dissolution  of  the  Partnership.  Franklin  assisted  by 
his  Friends.  David  Harry.  Match-making.  Mar- 
riage with  Miss  Read. 

1.  In  the  autumn  of  the  preceding  year,  Franklin 
had  formed,  among  his  acquaintance,  a  small  club  for 
mutual  improvement,  which  they  termed  the  Junto. 
They  met  on  Friday  evenings.  The  rules  required 
that  each  member,  in  his  turn,  should  produce  one 
or  more  questions  on  any  point  of  politics,  morals  or 
natural  philosophy,  to  be  discussed  by  the  company, 
and  once  in  three  months  produce  and  read  an 
essay  of  his  own  writing  on  any  subject  he  pleased. 

2.  This  club  answered  many  good  purposes  for  a 
great,  length  of  time.  It  introduced  better  habits 
of  conversation,  and  drew  attention  to  the  most  in- 
teresting subjects  of  general  inquiry.  The  mem- 
bers of  the  club  now  assisted  in  bringing  business 
to  the  young  printers.  Their  industry  was  un- 
wearied, and  soon  began  to  be  noticed  by  their 
neighbors.     This  gave  them  character  and  credit. 

3.  George  Webb  now  came  to  offer  them  hib 
services,   as   a  journeyman.     They  were  not  then 

1.  What  was  the  Junto  ?  What  did  the  rules  of  this  club  re 
rrjire?     1    What  pood  purposes  did  it  answer? 


LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN.  51 

able  to  give  him  employment,  but  Franklin  let  him 
know,  as  a  secret,  that  he  soon  intended  to  begin  a 
newspaper,  and  would  then  probably  have  work  for 
him.  He  told  him  his  plan  and  expectations.  His 
hopes  of  success  were  founded  on  this  ;  that  the  only 
newspaper  at  that  time  printed  there,  by  Bradford, 
was  a  miserable  affair,  badly  managed,  not  enter- 
taining, and  yet  profitable. 

4.  Franklin  requested  Webb  not  to  mention  the 
project ;  but  he  told  it  to  Keimer,  who  immediately 
issued  proposals  for  publishing  one  himself.  This 
vexed  Franklin,  and,  as  he  was  at  that  time  unable 
to  commence  his  paper,  he  wrote  several  amusing 
pieces  for  Bradford,  under  the  title  of  the  Busy 
Body,  which  were  continued  by  one  of  his  friends 
for  several  months.  By  this  means  the  attention  of 
the  public  was  fixed  on  that  paper,  and  Keimer's 
proposals  were  neglected.  He  began  his  paper, 
however,  and  carried  it  on  about  nine  months,  with 
only  ninety  subscribers.  At  this  time,  he  offered  it, 
at  a  very  low  price,  to  Franklin,  who  purchased  n, 
and  in  a  few  years  made  it  very  profitable. 

5.  The  partnership  still  continued,  though  the 
whole  management  of  the  business  was  confided  to 
Franklin.  Meredith  knew  very  little  about  setting 
types,  or  working  at  the  press,  and  was  seldom 
sober.     The  connection  between  them  was  to  be 


3.  What  project  did  Franklin  communicate  to  George  Webb  '.' 
4  What  was  the  consequence  of  this  communication  ?  What 
course  did  Franklin  pu.sue  ? 


52  LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN. 

regretted,  on  many  accounts,  but  Meredith  had  es- 
tablished the  business,  and  it  was  now  necessary  to 
make  the  best  of  it. 

6.  Their  first  papers  made  a  better  appearance 
than  any  that  had  been  before  printed  in  the  prov- 
ince. The  number  of  subscribers  continually  in- 
creased, and  the  leading  men  found  it  convenient 
to  oblige  and  encourage  the  printers.  Bradford 
still  printed  the  votes,  and  laws,  and  public  docu- 
ments ;  but  this  business  soon  fell  into  the  hands  of 
Franklin. 

7.  A  difficulty  now  occurred,  which  had  been 
little  expected.  Mr.  Meredith's  father,  who  was  to 
have  paid  for  the  printing  house,  was  able  to  advance 
only  one  hundred  pounds  ;  and  one  hundred  more 
were  due  to  the  merchant,  who  became  impatient, 
and  sued  them  all.  They  gave  bail,  but  unless  the 
money  could  have  been  raised  in  season,  they  must 
have  sold  their  press  and  types,  for  payment. 

8.  In  this  distress,  two  friends  came  forward  to 
Franklin,  and  offered  to  advance  the  money,  if  he 
would  discontinue  the  partnership  with  Meredith. 
Each  made  the  proposition  separately,  and  without 
the  knowledge  of  the  other.  These  friends  were 
William  Coleman  and  Robert  Grace.  Franklin 
told  them  that  he  considered  himself  under  obliga- 
tions to  the  Merediths,  and  if  they  should  be  able  to 

6.  How  did  the  paper  succeed  under  Franklin's  management  1 
7.  What  difficulty  arose  at  this  time  ?  8.  Who  offered  Franklin 
their  assistance  1 


Ll¥K  OF  FRANKLIN.  o3 

fuliil  their  part  of  the  agreement,  he  could  not  think 
of  proposing  a  separation.  If  they  should  finally 
fail  in  their  performance,  and  the  partnership  should 
be  dissolved,  he  would  then  think  himself  at  liberty 
to  accept  the  assistance  of  his  friends. 

9.  Meredith  finally  proposed  a  dissolution  of  the 
partnership.  Franklin  consented,  and  the  whole 
business  was  left  in  his  hands.  He  then  recurred 
to  his  friends,  and  took  half  of  what  he  wanted  from 
one,  and  half  from  the  other.  The  separation  was 
then  publicly  advertised,  the  old  debts  were  paid 
off,  and  the  business  went  on  in  the  name  of  Frank- 
lin.    This  was  in  or  about  the  year  1729. 

10.  He  now  obtained  several  jobs  from  the  gov- 
ernment, and  was  employed  in  printing  the  paper 
money.  A  stationer's  shop  was  soon  added  to  his 
establishment,  and  he  began  to  pay  off  gradually 
the  debt  he  was  under  for  the  printing  house.  In 
order  to  secure  his  character  and  credit  as  a  trades- 
man, he  was  not  only  industrious  and  frugal  in  re- 
ality, but  avoided  any  appearance  to  the  contrary. 
He  dressed  plainly,  and  was  seen  at  no  places  of 
amusement.  To  show  that  he  was  not  above  his 
business,  he  himself  sometimes  brought  home,  on  a 
wheel-barrow,  the  paper  he  purchased  at  the  stores 

11.  Being  thus  considered  an  industrious  and 
thriving  young  man,  the  merchants  who   imported 

9  What  did  Meredith  propose  ?  How  was  Franklin  relieved  1 
10  Describe  the  increase  of  his  business,  and  his  character  and 
conduct  as  a  tradesman 


LIFE  OF   FRANKLIN 


Franklin  taking  lioine  his  papi 


LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN.  55 

stationery  were  desirous  of  his  custom.  Others 
proposed  supplying  him  with  hooks,  and  he  went  on 
prosperously.  In  the  mean  time,  Keimer's  business 
and  credit  declined  daily,  and  he  was  at  last  obliged 
to  sell  his  printing  house,  to  satisfy  his  creditors. 
He  went  to  Barbadoes,  and  there  lived,  some  years, 
in  great  poverty. 

12.  An  apprentice  of  Keimer's,  David  Harry, 
bought  his  materials,  and  set  up,  in  his  place,  in 
Philadelphia.  His  friends  were  rich,  and  possessed 
considerable  influence,  and  Franklin  was  afraid 
that  he  would  find  Harry  a  powerful  rival.     He, 

herefore,  proposed  a  partnership,  which  was  fortu- 
nately rejected.  Harry  was  proud,  dressed  and 
lived  expensively,  neglected  his  business,  and  ran 
in  debt.  Losing  credit,  and  finding  nothing  to  do, 
he  followed  Keimer  to  Barbadoes,  taking  his  print- 
ing materials  with  him.  Here  he  employed  his  old 
master  as  a  journeyman,  and  was  at  last  obliged  to 
sell  his  types  and  return  to  work  in  Philadelphia. 

13.  There  now  remained  no  other  printer  in  the 
place  but  Bradford.  He,  however,  was  rich  and 
easy,  and  was  not  anxious  about  doing  much  busi- 
ness. His  situation  as  post-master,  at  that  time,  was 
supposed  to  give  him  some  advantages  in  obtaining 
news,  and  distributing  the  papers ;  and  he  was,  on 
that  account,  able  to  procure  a  great  many  more 

11.  What  became  of  Keimer?     12.  Who  was  David  Harry? 
What  became   of  him  ?     13.  Who   was   now  the  only  rival   ot 
rs»nkl'"n  ? 


ob  LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN. 

advertisements  than  Franklin.  This  was  of  great 
service  to  Bradford,  and  prevented  his  rival  from 
gaining  upon  him  so  rapidly  as  he  otherwise  would 
have  done. 

14.  Franklin  had  hitherto  boarded  with  Mr.  God- 
frey, a  glazier,  who  was  very  much  distinguished 
for  his  knowledge  of  mathematics.  The  wife  of 
Mr.  Godfrey  was  desirous  of  making  a  match  for  the 
young  printer,  and  fixed  upon  the  daughter  of  a 
neighbor,  as  a  suitable  person.  She  contrived,  in 
several  ways,  to  bring  them  together,  and  at  length 
Franklin  made  proposals  of  marriage. 

15.  Franklin  appears  to  have  been  equally  pru- 
dent and  cautious  in  this  affair,  as  in  every  thing- 
else.  He  gave  Mrs.  Godfrey  to  understand,  and 
carry  to  the  parents,  that  he  expected  one  hundred 
pounds  with  their  daughter.  She  brought  him  word 
that  they  had  no  such  sum  to  spare.  Franklin  sent 
back,  in  reply,  that  they  might  mortgage  their 
house. 

16.  The  answer  to  this,  after  a  few  days,  was, 
that  they  did  not  approve  the  match ;  that,  on  inquiry 
of  Mr.  Bradford,  they  had  been  informed  the  print- 
ing business  was  not  a  profitable  one ;  that  Keimer 
and  Harry  had  failed,  and  that  he  would  probably 
soon  follow  them.  The  daughter  was,  accordingly, 
shut  up,  and  Franklin  was  forbidden  the  house. 

17.  He  suspected  that  this  was  merely  a  trick  of 

14.  Describe  Mrs.  Godfrey's  desire  of  matcn-makinsf.  15.  DiOi 
Franklin  show  his  usual  prudence  ?     16    Wh»*  '"39  *l\e  '«sult  1 


LIFE  OF   FRANKLIN.  i>7 

the  parents,  to  induce  him  to  run  away  with  the 
young  lady,  and  leave  them  at  liberty  to  make  wh;it 
terms  they  pleased.  He  immediately  broke  off  the 
connection.  The  Godfreys  were  angry,  quarrelled 
with  him,  and  he  left  the  house. 

18.  He  had  always  continued  on  friendly  terms 
with  the  family  of  the  young  lady  to  whom  he  had 
been  engaged  before  his  visit  to  London.  Her  un- 
fortunate marriage  made  her  very  dejected  and  mis- 
erable. Franklin  saw  her,  and  could  not  help  at- 
tributing her  unhappiness,  in  a  great  measure,  to 
his  own  misconduct. 

19.  Their  mutual  affection  was  revived,  but  there 
were  now  great  objections  to  the  union.  Her  foi- 
mer  husband  had  not  been  heard  of,  and  was  sup- 
posed to  be  dead.  All  difficulties  were  finally  sur- 
mounted, and  he  married  Miss  Read  on  the  first  of 
September,  1730 


CHAPTER  VII. 

Library  of  the  Junto.  A  public  Library  established 
Franklin  studies.  His  Frugality.  Anecdote  of  (he- 
Bowl  and  Spoon.  His  Scheme  of  arriving  at  Moral 
Perfection.  Table  of  Precepts.  Franklin 's  Remarks 
upon  it.     Poor  Richard's  Almanac. 

1 .   At  the  time  Franklin  first  established  himself 
in  Pennsylvania,  there  was  not  a  good  bookseller':-) 

19.  Whom  did  Franklin  many  ?      When  ■ 

C2 


58  LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN. 

shop  any  where  to  the  south  of  Boston.  In  New 
York  and  Philadelphia,  the  printers  were  stationers, 
but  they  kept  only  paper,  almanacs,  ballads,  and  a 
few  common  school  books.  Those  who  loved  read- 
ing were  obliged  to  send  for  their  books  from  Eng- 
land. 

2.  The  members  of  the  Junto  had,  each  of  them, 
a  few  volumes.  They  had  hired  a  room,  in  which 
to  hold  their  meetings,  and  Franklin  proposed  that 
they  should  all  bring  their  books  to  that  room.  In 
this  manner  they  would  not  only  be  ready  for  them 
to  consult  and  refer  to,  but  would  become  a  common 
benefit,  by  allowing  each  one  to  borrow  such  as  he 
wished  to  read  at  home. 

3.  This  was  accordingly  done,  and  for  a  while 
answered  their  purpose  very  well.  Finding  the  ad- 
vantage and  convenience  of  this  little  collection, 
Franklin  proposed  to  render  the  benefit  more  gen- 
eral, by  commencing  a  public  subscription  library. 
He  drew  a  sketch  of  the  plan  and  rules  that  would 
be  necessary,  and  had  them  put  into  the  form  of 
articles  to  be  subscribed.  By  these  articles,  each 
subscriber  agreed  to  pay  a  certain  sum  for  the  first 
purchase  of  the  books,  and  a  yearly  contribution  for 
increasing  them. 

4.  The  number  of  readers,  at  that  time,  in  Phila- 
delphia, was  so  small,  that  it  was  with  great  diffi- 

2.  What  plan  did  Franklin  propose  for  the  formation  of  a 
library  1  3.  How  did  it  succeed  ?  How  did  Franklin  propose  to 
extend  its  advantages  ? 


LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN.  5'J 

culty  Franklin  was  able  to  procure  fifty  subscribers, 
willing  to  pay  forty  shillings  to  begin  with,  and  ten 
shillings  a  year  for  a  contribution.  With  this  num- 
ber the  library  was  commenced.  The  books  were 
imported,  and  lent  out  to  subscribers.  Great  ad- 
vantages were  derived  from  the  institution,  and  it 
was  soon  imitated  in  other  places. 

5.  In  this  library,  Franklin  found  means  of  con- 
tinual improvement.  He  set  apart  an  hour  or  two 
in  each  day  for  study,  and  in  this  way,  in  some  de- 
gree, made  up  for  the  loss  of  a  learned  education. 
Reading  was  his  only  amusement.  His  attention 
to  business  was  as  strict  as  it  was  necessary.  He 
was  in  debt  for  his  printing  house,  and  had  an  in- 
creasing family ;  with  two  rivals  in  his  business, 
who  had  been  established  before  him.  Notwith- 
standing all  this,  however,  he  grew  more  easy  in  his 
circumstances  every  day. 

6.  His  early  habits  of  frugality  continued.  He 
often  thought  of  the  proverb  of  Solomon,  which  his 
father  had  impressed  on  him  while  a  boy — "  Seest 
thou  a  man  diligent  in  his  calling  ?  he  shall  stand 
before  kings,  he  shall  not  stand  before  mean  men."' 
Industry  appeared  a  means  of  obtaining  weaHh  and 
distinction,  and  the  thought  encouraged  hid  to  ritw 
exertions.     We  shall  see,  by  and  by,  that  little  ai 

4.  How  many  subscribers  were  obtained  ?  3.  £f\("\  Fra  iklin 
still  pursue  his  studies,  and  how  ?  Did  his  early  Tiuo-.u  f.umue  1 
What  was  the  proverb  so  often  repeated  by  his  fai  <■    I 


m  LIFE  OF    FRANKLIN. 

Ins  father  expected  it,  the  son  really  came  to  stand, 
with  honor,  in  the  presence  of  monarchs.        " 

7.  His  wife  was,  fortunately,  as  well  inclined  to 
industry  and  frugality  as  he  was  himself.  She  as- 
sisted him  in  his  business,  folding  and  stitcning 
pamphlets,  tending  shop,  and  purchasing  old  linen 
rags  for  the  paper-makers.  They  kept  no  idle  ser- 
vants, their  table  was  simply  furnished,  and  their 
furniture  was  plain  and  cheap. 

8.  "  My  breakfast,"  says  Franklin,  "  was  for  a 
long  time  bread  and  milk  (no  tea),  and  I  ate  it  out 
of  a  twopenny  earthen  porringer,  with  a  pewter 
spoon  :  but  mark  how  luxury  will  enter  families, 
and  make  a  progress  in  spite  of  principle  ;  being 
called  one  morning  to  breakfast,  I  found  it  in  a 
china  bowl,  with  a  spoon  of  silver.  They  had  been 
bought  for  me,  without  my  knowledge,  by  my  wife, 
and  had  cost  her  the  enormous  sum  of  three  and 
twenty  shillings ;  for  which  she  had  no  other  ex- 
cuse or  apology  to  make,  but  that  she  thought  her 
husband  deserved  a  silver  spoon  and  china  bowl  as 
well  as  any  of  his  neighbors.  This  was  the  first 
appearance  of  plate  and  china  in  our  house,  which 
afterwards,  in  a  course  of  years,  as  our  wealth  in- 
creased, augmented  gradually  to  several  hundred 
pounds  in  value." 

9.  It  was  about  this  time  that  Franklin  formed 


7.  What  was  the  conduct  of  his  wife  ?  8.  Describe  Franklin's 
breakfast,  and  give  his  humorous  account  of  the  first  appearance 
of  luxury  in  his  house. 


LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN.  61 

the  bold  and  difficult  project  of  arriving  at  moral 
perfection.  As  he  knew,  or  thought  he  knew,  what 
was  right  and  wrong,  he  did  not  see  why  he  might 
not  always  do  the  one  and  avoid  the  other.  For 
this  purpose,  he  made  a  table  of  the  different  virtues, , 
with  certain  rules  and  precepts  annexed  to  them. 
Some  of  these  were  as  follows  : 

1.  Temperance. — Eat  not  to  dulness  :  drink  not  to  el- 

evation. 

2.  Silence. — Speak  not  but.  what  may  benefit  others  or 

yourself:  avoid  trifling  conversation. 

3.  Order.-  -Let  all  your  things  have  their  places :  let 

each  part  of  your  business  have  its  time. 

4.  Resolution. — Resolve  to  perform  what  you  ought : 

perform,  without  fail,  what  you  resolve. 

5.  Frugality. — Make  no  expense  but  to  do  good  to 

others  or  yourself;  that  is,  waste  nothing. 

6.  Industry. — Lose  no  time :  be  always  employed  in 

something  useful :  cut  off  all  unnecessary  ac- 
tions. 

7.  Sincerity. — Use  no  hurtful  deceit:  think  innocently 

and  justly  :  and  if  you  speak,  speak  accordingly. 

8.  Justice. — Wrong  none  by  doing  injuries,  or  omit- 

ting the  benefits  that  are  your  duty. 

9.  Moderation. — Avoid    extremes :   forbear  resenting 

injuries  so  much  as  you  think  they  deserve. 

10.  Cleanliness. — Tolerate  no  uncleanliness  in   body, 

clothes,  or  habitation. 

11.  Tranquillity. — Be  not  disturbed  at  trifles,  nor  at 

accidents  common  or  unavoidable. 

9.  What  was  Franklin's  favorite  project  at  this  time  ?     Repeat 
the  table  of  virtues,  and  the  precepts  annexed  to  them 

0 


02  LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN. 

10.  To  acquire  a  habit  of  practising  these  virtues, 
he  determined  to  give  a  week's  strict  attention  to 
each  of  them  in  succession.  Thusf  in  the  first 
week,  he  took  care  to  avoid  even  the  slightest  of- 
fence against  temperance,  and  strictly  marked  every 
fault  in  a  little  book  he  kept  for  that  purpose.  This 
book  he  continued  to  keep  for  a  great  number  of 
years ;  till,  in  the  pressure  of  public  business,  he 
was  obliged  to  give  it  up  entirely. 

11.  "  It  is  well,"  he  wrote  in  his  old  age.  "my 
posterity  should  be  informed  that  to  this  little  artifice 
their  ancestor  owed  the  constant  felicity  of  his  life, 
down  to  his  seventy-ninth  year,  in  which  this  is 
written.  What  reverses  may  attend  the  remainder 
is  in  the  hand  of  Providence  :  but  if  they  arrive,  the 
reflection  on  past  happiness  enjoyed  ought  to  help 
his  bearing  them  with  more  resignation." 

12.  "  To  Temperance  he  ascribes  his  long  con- 
tinued health,  and  what  is  still  left  to  him  of  a  good 
constitution.  To  Industry  and  Frugality,  the  early 
easiness  of  his  circumstances,  and  acquisition  of 
his  fortune,  with  all  that  knowledge  that  enabled 
him  to  be  an  useful  citizen,  and  obtained  for  him 
some  degree  of  reputation  among  the  learned.  To 
Sincerity  and  Justice,  the  confidence  of  his  country 
and  the  honorable  employs  it  conferred  upon  him : 


10.  How  did  he  attempt  to  acquire  a  habit  of  these  virtues 
12.  To  what  does  Franklin  ascribe  his  long  continued  health? 
the    ease  of  his  circumstances  ?     the  confidence  and  honor  he 
received  from  his  country  ? 


LITE  OF   FRANXLIN.  63 

and  to  the  joint  influence  of  the  whole  mass  of  the 
virtues,  even  in  the  imperfect  state  he  was  able  to 
acquire  them,  all  that  evenness  of  temper  and  that 
cheerfulness  in  conversation,  which  makes  his  com- 
pany still  sought  for,  and  agreeable  even  to  his  young 
acquaintance :  I  hope,  therefore,  that  some  of  my 
descendants  may  follow  the  example,  and  reap  the 
benefit." 

13.  In  1732,  Franklin  first  published  his  alma- 
nac, under  the  name  of  Hichard  Saunders.  It  was 
continued  by  him  about  twenty-five  years,  and  was 
commonly  called  Poor  Richard's  Almanac.  He  en- 
deavored to  make  it  both  entertaining  and  useful,  and 
it  accordingly  came  to  be  in  great  demand.  As  it 
was  generally  read,  and  as  the  poor  people  bought 
hardly  any  other  books,  Franklin  thought  it  would 
be  a  good  means  to  circulate  instruction  among 
them.  He,  therefore,  filled  all  the  odd  spaces  with 
proverbs  and  wise  sayings. 

14.  These  proverbs  contained  the  experience  and 
wisdom  of  many  nations  and  ages.  In  1757, 
Franklin  collected  them  into  a  discourse  prefixed 
to  the  almanac  for  that  year.  In  this  discourse,  he 
represented  an  old  man  talking  to  a  number  of  peo- 
ple who  were  attending  a  sale  at  auction.  The 
hour  for  the  sale  not  having  come,  the  company 
were  conversing;  on  the  badness  of  the  times. 


13.  When  did  he  first  publish  his  almanac  ?  How  long  was  it 
continued  ?  How  did  he  endeavor  to  make  it  useful  ?  14.  What 
was  prefixed  to  the  almanac  for  1757  ? 


64  LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN. 

15.  One  of  them  called  out  to  a  plain,  clean  old 
man,  with  white  locks,  "  Pray,  father  Abraham, 
what  think  ye  of  the  times  ?  Won't  these  heavy 
taxes  quite  ruin  the  country  ?  How  shall  we  be 
ever  able  to  pay  them?  What  would  you  advise  us 
to  do?"  Father  Abraham  stood  up,  and  replied, 
"  If  you'd  have  my  advice,  I'll  give  it  to  you  in 
short ;  '  for  a  word  to  the  wise  is  enough  ;  and  many 
words  won't  fill  a  bushel,'  as  Poor  Richard  says." 

16.  The  old  man  then  went  on  to  advise  them  to 
be  industrious  and  economical ;  and,  in  the  course 
of  his  advice,  repeated  all  of  the  wise  sayings  of 
Poor  Richard.  In  this  manner  they  were  all  col- 
lected into  a  single  paper,  called  The  Way  to 
Wealth.  This  piece  was  very  much  approved, 
copied  into  all  the  American  newspapers,  reprinted 
in  Great  Britain,  and  translated  into  the  French 
language.  Large  numbers  of  it  were,  in  this  man- 
ner, distributed,  and  undoubtedly  did  a  good  deal 
of  service. 

16.  How  was  The  Way  to  Wealth  approved  ? 


UFE  OF  FRANKLIN.  65 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

Management  of  his  Newspaper.  Study  of  the  Lan- 
guages. Chess-playing.  The  Preacher  Hemphill. 
Stealing  Sermons.  Visit  to  Boston.  Visits  his 
Brother  James  at  Neivport.  Usefulness  of  the  Junto. 
Formation  of  new  Clubs.  Franklin  chosen  Clerk  of 
the  General  Assembly.     Anecdote. 

1.  Besides  his  almanac,  Franklin  considered  his 
newspaper  as  a  very  valuable  mean#of  circulating 
instruction  and  good  advice  among  the  people.  For 
this  purpose  he  frequently  reprinted  in  it  extracts 
from  the  Spectator,  a  work  written  a  good  many 
years  ago,  by  several  distinguished  English  authors. 
It  is  a  collection  of  pieces  on  moral  and  popular 
subjects,  in  a  very  pleasant  style,  and  first  published 
in  single  numbers  of  a  few  pages  each. 

2.  In  conducting  his  paper,  Franklin  was  very 
careful  to  avoid  all  abuse  of  particular  persons. 
Whenever  he  was  requested  to  publish  any  thing  of 
the  kind,  his  answer  was,  that  he  would  print  th 
piece  by  itself,  and  give  the  author  as  many  copie 
for  his  own  use  as  he  desired.  He  very  wisely  con 
sidered  that  his  subscribers  expected  him  to  furnisl 
them  with  useful  and  entertaining  pieces,  and  no; 

I.  How  did  he  make  his  newspaper  serviceable  in  cireulatin  ; 
instruction  ?     2.  What  was  he  very  careful  to  avoid  ? 

6  * 


(36  LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN. 

with  abuse  and  violent  discussions  about  things  with 
which  they  had  nothing  to  do. 

3.  In  1733,  Franklin  sent  one  of  his  apprentices 
to  Charleston,  South  Carolina,  where  a  printer  was 
wanted.  He  furnished  him  with  a  press  and  types, 
and  was  to  receive  one  third  of  the  profits  of  the 
business.  After  the  death  of  this  man,  who  was 
very  irregular  in  settling  his  affairs  with  Franklin, 
the  business  was  continued  by  his  widow.  This 
woman  had  been  born  and  educated  in  Holland, 
where  females  were  taught  a  knowledge  of  accounts. 
She  managed  $he  establishment  with  a  great  deal 
of  prudence  and  success,  and  was  in  time  able  to 
purchase  the  printing  office,  and  establish  her  son 
in  it. 

4.  In  1733,  Franklin  began  the  study  of  foreign 
languages.  He  soon  obtained  such  a  knowledge  of 
the  French,  as  to  read  books  in  that  language  with 
perfect  ease.  After  this  he  undertook  the  Italian. 
An  acquaintance,  who  was  also  learning  it,  often 
tempted  him  to  play  chess.  Finding  this  took  up 
too  much  time,  Franklin  refused  to  play  any  more, 
except  upon  one  condition.  This  was,  that  which- 
ever of  them  should  beat,  should  have  a  right  to  im- 
pose a  task  upon  the  other ;  either  of  part  of  the 
grammar  to  be  got  by  heart,  or  in  translations. 


3.  Describe  the  conduct  of  the  woman  whose  husband  Franklin 
had  established  in  business.  4.  When  did  Franklin  begin  the 
study  of  foreign  languages  1  What  languages  did  he  stu«ly  7 
delate  the  anecdote  about  chess-playing. 


LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN.  07 

5.  These  tasks  they  were  bound  in  honor  to  per- 
form before  the  next  meeting.  The  two  friends 
played  with  about  equal  skill  and  success,  and  in 
this  way  soon  beat  each  other  into  a  pretty  good 
knowledge  of  the  Italian.  Franklin  next  under- 
took Spanish,  and  learned  enough  to  read  books  in 
that  language  with  considerable  ease. 

6.  About  the  year  1734,  a  young  preacher  arrived 
in  Philadelphia,  by  the  name  of  Hemphill.  He  had 
a  good  voice,  and  delivered  very  excellent  sermons. 
Large  numbers  were  attracted  by  his  eloquence,  of 
different  doctrines  and  belief.  Among  the  rest, 
Franklin  became  a  very  constant  hearer.  He  was 
pleased  with  his  sermons,  because  they  impressed 
the  love  and  the  practice  of  virtue  and  goodness, 
without  quarrelling  about  hard  questions  of  doctrinal 
religion. 

7.  Some  of  the  congregation,  however,  disap- 
proved of  his  preaching,  and  united  with  the  old 
ministers  to  attempt  to  put  him  down.  Franklin 
took  sides  with  him  very  warmly,  and  did  all  he 
could  to  raise  a  party  in  his  favor.  He  wrote  two 
or  three  pamphlets  in  his  defence. 

8.  During  this  contest  the  unlucky  preacher  hurt 
his  own  cause  by  a  very  unpardonable  meanness 
One  of  his  enemies  heard  him  preach  a  very  elo- 
quent sermon,  and  thought  he  had  somewhere  heard 
or  read  parts  of  it  before.     On  looking  into  the  mat- 

6.  Who  was  Hemphill  1     7.  What   did   Frankl 
t.clialf?     '6.  How  did  the  preacher  ru'.i  his  own  c< 


(18  LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN. 

ter,  he  found  the  preacher  had  stolen  several  pas- 
sages from  a  discourse  delivered  by  a  celebrated 
English  divine.  This  discovery  induced  many  of 
his  friends  to  desert  him,  and  he  was  obliged  to  go 
in  search  of  a  congregation  less  inquisitive. 

9.  After  ten  years'  absence  from  Boston,  Frank- 
lin determined  to  make  a  journey  there  to  visit  his 
relations.  He  was  now  doing  very  good  business, 
and  was  in  quite  easy  circumstances.  He  had  seen 
a  good  many  changes  in  his  fortunes,  since  he  first 
ran  away  from  his  native  place ;  and  his  industry 
and  good  sense  were  to  bring  about  still  greater 
changes. 

10.  In  returning  to  Philadelphia,  he  stopped  at 
Newport,  to  see  his  brother  James,  who  was,  at  that 
time,  settled  there  with  his  printing  office.  Their 
former  differences  were  at  once  forgotten,  and  the 
meeting  was  very  cordial  and  affectionate.  James 
was  at  that  time  in  very  ill  health,  and  in  expecta- 
tion of  a  speedy  death.  He,  accordingly,  requested 
Benjamin,  when  that  event  should  happen,  to  take 
home  his  son,  then  but  ten  years  of  age,  and  bring 
nim  up  to  the  printing  business. 

11.  This  he  accordingly  performed,  sending  him 
a  few  years  to  school  before  he  took  him  into  the 
office.     When   James  died,  his  widow  carried  on 


9.  How  long  had  Franklin  been  absent  from  Boston  when  he 
determined  to  revisit  it  ?  10.  How  was  the  interview  between  the 
brothers  at  Newport  ?  What  request  did  James  make  respecting 
his  son  ?     11,   How  did  Franklin  comply  with  this  request? 


LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN. 


»9 


y 


Reconciliation  of  Franklin  with  his  Brother. 


70  LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN. 

the  business  till  her  son  was  grown  up.  At  that 
time,  Benjamin  assisted  them  with  an  assortment  of 
new  types,  and  they  were,  in  this  manner,  enabled 
to  continue  the  establishment. 

12.  The  club  which  Franklin  had  founded 
proved  to  be  so  useful,  and  afforded  so  much  satis- 
faction to  the  members,  that  they  proposed  to  intro- 
duce their  friends,  and  increase  their  number. 
They  had,  from  the  beginning,  determined  to  keep 
the  Junto  a  secret,  and  the  secret  was  kept  better 
than  such  things  usually  are.  Franklin  was  of 
opinion  that  twelve  members  formed  a  club  suffi- 
ciently large,  and  that  it  would  be  inconvenient  to 
increase  it. 

13.  Instead  of  adding  to  their  number,  he  pro- 
posed that  every  member,  separately,  should  en- 
deavor to  form  another  club,  with  the  same  rules 
and  on  the  same  plan,  without  informing  them  of 
the  existence  of  the  Junto.  The  project  was  ap- 
proved, and  every  member  undertook  to  form  his 
club  ;  but  they  did  not  all  succeed.  Five  or  six 
only  were  completed,  which  were  called  by  different 
names,  as  the  Vine,  the  Union,  the  Band.  These 
clubs  were  useful,  and  afforded  their  members  a 
good  deal  of  amusement  and  information. 

14.  In  1736,  Franklin  was  chosen  clerk  of  the 
General    Assembly.     The  choice  was   made  that 

1.2.  How  did  the  Junto  nourish  ?  13.  What  new  clubs  were 
formed  ?  How  ?  14.  To  what  office  was  Franklin  elected  iu 
1736? 


LIFE  01   FRANKLIN.  71 

year  without  any  opposition,  but,  on  the  next,  a  new 
member  of  that  body  made  a  long  speech  against 
him.  This,  however,  did  not  prevent  his  second 
election.  The  place  was  one  of  some  credit,  and, 
by  giving  Franklin  an  opportunity  to  make  friends 
among  the  members,  enabled  him  to  secure  the 
business  of  printing  the  public  laws,  votes,  and  pa- 
per money. 

15.  The  new  member,  who  had  opposed  Frank- 
lin, was  a  man  of  education  and  talents,  and  it  was 
desirable  to  gain  his  good  opinion.  Franklin  was 
too  proud  to  pay  any  servile  respect  to  him,  but  was 
too  prudent  not  to  wish  for  his  favor.  After  some 
time,  with  his  usual  shrewdness  and  knowledge  of 
human  nature,  he  hit  upon  the  following  expedient. 

1G.  Having  heard  that  this  gentleman  had  in  his 
library  a  very  scarce  and  curious  book,  he  wrote  a 
note,  requesting  that  he  would  do  him  the  favor  of 
lending  it  for  a  few  days.  The  book  was  imme- 
diately sent,  and  in  about  a  week  was  returned  by 
the  borrower,  with  a  short  note,  expressive  of  his 
sincere  thanks  for  the  favor. 

17.  The  next  time  they  met  in  the  house,  the 
gentleman  spoke  to  Franklin  with  a  great  deal  of 
civility.  He  ever  after  manifested  a  readiness  to 
serve  him,  and  they  became  great  friends.  "  This 
is  another  instance,"  observes  Franklin,  "  of  the 
truth  of  an  old  maxim  I  had  learned,  which  says — 

11.  How  did  Franklin  conciliate  a  member  who  was  ouposeil  tr- 
him  1 


TA  LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN. 

'  He  that  has  done  you  a  kindness  will  be  more 
ready  to  do  you  another,  than  he  whom  you  yourself 
have  obliged.'  And  it  shows  how  much  more  profit- 
able it  is  prudently  to  remove  than  to  resent,  return, 
and  continue  inimical  proceedings." 

18.  In  1737,  Colonel  Spotswood,  at  that  time 
postmaster-general,  being  dissatisfied  with  his  dep- 
uty at  Philadelphia,  took  away  his  commission,  and 
offered  it  to  Franklin.  He  accepted  it  with  readi- 
ness, and  found  it  of  great  advantage.  Though  the 
salary  was  small,  the  office  gave  him  the  means  of 
increasing  the  subscribers  to  his  paper,  and  in  this 
way  increased  his  advertisements.  His  paper  now 
began  to  afford  him  a  very  considerable  income. 


CHAPTER   IX. 

Reform  of  the  City  Watch.  Fire  Companies.  Rev.  M? . 
Whitefield.  Effects  of  his  Preaching.  His  Project  of 
building  an  Orphan  House  in  Georgia.  Anecdotes. 
Franklin's  Opinion  of  him.  Franklin's  Prosperity. 
Military  Defence  of  the  Province.  Formation  of 
Companies. 

1.  Franklin  now  began  to  turn  his  attention  to 
public  affairs.  One  of  his  first  efforts  in  this  way 
was  to  reform  the  city  watch.     This  was  managed 

17.  What  is  the  old  maxim  quoted  by  Franklin  1  18.  To  what 
office  was  Franklin  appointed  in  1737  7 


LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN.  7H 

in  the  different  wards  by  the  constables,  who  as- 
sembled a  certain  number  of  housekeepers  to  attend 
them  for  the  night.  Those  who  did  not  choose  to 
attend  paid  six  shillings  a  year  to  be  excused.  This 
made  the  constableship  an  office  of  profit :  for,  in- 
stead of  spending  the  money  thus  received  in  hiring 
other  watchmen,  it  was  spent  in  liquors,  by  which 
the  constables  were  able  to  get  a  parcel  of  raga- 
muffins about  them,  instead  of  decent  and  orderly 
tK3n. 

2.  These  fellows  seldom  went  the  rounds  of  the 
watch,  but  spent  most  of  the  night  in  tippling.  In 
the  course  of  a  few  years,  by  the  exertions  of  Frank- 
lin and  his  friends,  an  entire  alteration  was  produced 
in  the  laws  upon  this  subject.  About  the  same 
time  that  he  began  to  converse  at  the  Junto  on  the 
abuses  of  the  watch,  he  wrote  a  paper  on  the  differ- 
ent accidents  by  which  houses  were  set  on  fire,  and 
means  proposed  of  avoiding  them. 

3.  This  gave  rise  to  a  project,  which  soon  follow- 
ed, of  forming  a  company  to  assist,  with  readiness, 
at  fires.  Thirty  persons  were  immediately  found, 
willing  to  join  in  the  scheme.  Their  articles  of 
agreement  obliged  every  member  to  keep,  always  in 
order  and  fit  for  use,  a  certain  number  of  leathern 
buckets,  with  strong  bags  and  baskets  for  packing 

1.  What  reform  did  Franklin  introduce,  when  he  first  turned  his 
attention  to  public  affairs?  2.  On  what  subject  did  he  write  a 
paper  for  the  Junto  t  3.  To  what  project  did  this  give  rise  ? 
How  did  it  succeed  ! 

7  D 


74  life  <;f  franklin. 

and  carrying  goods,  which  were  to  be  brought  al 
every  fire.  They  also  held  a  monthly  meeting,  to 
converse  upon  the  subject  of  fires,  and  communicate 
such  ideas  as  might  be  useful  in  their  conduct  on 
such  occasions. 

4.  This  company  proved  so  useful,  that  another 
was  soon  formed  ;  and  thus  went  on,  one  new  com- 
pany after  another,  till  they  included  most  of  the 
inhabitants  who  were  men  of  property.  The  club 
first  formed  was  called  the  Union  Fire  Company, 
and,  we  believe,  still  exists.  These  institutions  have 
been  exceedingly  useful  in  extinguishing  fires  and 
preserving  property. 

5.  In  1739,  the  Reverend  Mr.  Whitefield  arrived 
in  Philadelphia,  from  Ireland.  This  man  had  made 
himself  very  remarkable  as  a  preacher,  going  about 
the  country  and  discoursing,  sometimes  in  churches, 
sometimes  in  the  fields,  to  crowds  of  people,  with 
great  effect.  He  was,  at  first,  permitted  to  preach 
in  some  of  the  churches  in  Philadelphia,  but  the 
clergy  soon  took  a  dislike  to  him,  and  refused  him 
their  pulpits.  This  obliged  him  again  to  discourse 
in  the  streets  and  open  fields. 

6.  Large  multitudes  collected  to  hear  his  sermons. 
"  It  was  wonderful,"  says  Franklin,  "  to  see  the 
change  soon  made  in  the  manners  of  our  inhabitants. 
From  being  thoughtless  or  indifferent  about  religion, 

4.  Was  it  useful  1  What  was  it  called  ?  5.  What  is  stated  of 
the  Reverend  Mr.  Whitefield  1  6.  What  does  Franklin  say  of 
the  chaiijro  in  the  manners  of  the  inhabitants  ? 


LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN.  75 

it  seemed  as  if  all  the  world  were  growing  religious, 
so  that  one  could  not  walk  through  the  town  in^a-n;-/ 
evening,  without  hearing  psalms  sung  in  different 
families  of  every  street.  And  it  being  found  incon- 
venient to  assemble  in  the  open  air,  subject  to  its 
inclemencies,  the  building  of  a  house  to  meet  in 
was  no  sooner  proposed,  and  persons  appointed  to 
receive  contributions,  but  sufficient  sums  were  soon 
received  to  procure  the  ground  and  erect  the  build- 
ing, which  was  one  hundred  feet  long  and  seventy 
broad  ;  and  the  work  was  carried  on  with  such 
spirit,  as  to  be  finished  in  a  much  shorter  time  than 
could  be  expected." 

7.  On  leaving  Philadelphia,  Mr.  Whitefield  went 
preaching  all  the  way  through  the  colonies  to 
Georgia.  The  settlement  of  that  province  had  then 
been  recently  commenced,  and  was  made  with  peo- 
ple entirely  unfit  for  such  a  service.  They  were 
unable  to  endure  hardships,  and  perished  in  great 
numbers,  leaving  many  helpless  children,  with  noth- 
ing to  feed  or  shelter  them. 

8.  "  The  sight  of  their  miserable  situation,"  says 
Franklin,  "  inspired  the  benevolent  heart  of  Mr. 
Whitefield  with  the  idea  of  building  an  orphan  house 
there,  in  which  they  might  be  supported  and  edu- 
cated. Returning  northward,  he  preached  up  this 
charity,  and  made  large  collections ;  for  his  elo- 
quence had  a  wonderful  power  over  the  hearts  and 

7.  Where  did  Mr.  Whitefield  go  on  leaving-  Philadelphia?  X 
What  charitable  design  did  he  form  at  this  period  ? 


70  LIFE  OF   FRANKLIN. 

purses  ol  his  hearers,  of  which  I  myself  was   an 
instance. 

9.  "  I  did  not  disapprove  of  the  design,  but  as 
Georgia  was  then  destitute  of  materials  and  work- 
men, and  it  was  proposed  to  send  them  from  Phila- 
delphia, at  a  great  expense,  I  thought  it  would  have 
been  better  to  have  built  the  house  at  Philadelphia, 
and  brought  the  children  to  it.  This  I  advised,  but 
he  was  resolute  in  his  first  project,  rejected  my 
counsel,  and  I,  therefore,  refused  to  contribute. 

10.  "  I  happened,  soon  after,  to  attend  one  of  his 
sermons,  in  the  course  of  which,  I  perceived  he  in- 
tended to  finish  with  a  collection,  and  I  silently 
resolved  he  should  get  nothing  from  me.  I  had  in 
my  pocket  a  handful  of  copper  money,  three  or  four 
silver  dollars,  and  five  pistoles  in  gold  ;  as  he  pro- 
ceeded, I  began  to  soften,  and  concluded  to  give 
the  copper.  Another  stroke  of  his  oratory  made  me 
ashamed  of  that,  and  determined  me  to  give  the 
silver ;  and  he  finished  so  admirably,  that  I  emptied 
my  pocket  wholly  into  the  collector's  dish,  gold  and 
all! 

11.  "At  this  sermon  there  was  also  one  of  our 
club,  who,  being  of  my  sentiments  respecting  the 
building  in  Georgia,  and  suspecting  a  collection 
might  be  intended,  had,  by  precaution,  emptied  his 
pockets  before  he  came   from  home  ;  towards  the 

9.  What  was  Franklin's  opinion  upon  the  subject  ?  10.  Wha^ 
anecdote  does  Franklin  relate  of  the  collection  ?  11.  What  an- 
ecdote of  a  member  of  the  club  ? 


LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN.  77 

conclusion  of  the  discourse,  however,  he  felt  a  strong 
inclination  to  give,  and  applied  to  a  neighbor  who 
stood  near  him,  to  lend  him  some  money  for  the 
purpose.  The  request  was  fortunately  made  to  per- 
haps the  only  man  in  the  company  who  had  the 
firmness  not  to  be  affected  by  the  preacher.  His 
answer  was,  '  At  any  other  time,  friend  Hopkinson, 
I  would  lend  to  thee  freely ;  but  not  now,  for  thee 
seems  to  me  to  be  out  of  thy  right  senses.' 

12.  "  Some  of  Mr.  Whitefield's  enemies  affected 
to  suppose  that  he  would  apply  these  collections  to 
his  own  private  emolument ;  but  I,  who  was  inti- 
mately acquainted  with  him  (being  employed  in 
printing  his  sermons,  journals,  &c),  never  had  the 
least  suspicion  of  his  integrity,  but  am  to  this  day 
decidedly  of  opinion,  that  he  was,  in  all  his  conduct, 
a  perfectly  honest  man  ;  and  methinks  my  testimony 
in  his  favor  ought  to  have  the  more  weight,  as  we 
had  no  religious  connection.  Ours  was  a  mere 
civil  friendship,  sincere  on  both  sides,  and  lasted  to 
his  death. 

13.  "  The  last  time  I  saw  Mr.  Whitefield  was  in 
London,  when  he  consulted  me  about  his  orphan 
house  concern,  and  his  purpose  of  appropriating  it 
to  the  establishment  of  a  college. 

14.  "He  had  a  loud  and  clear  voice,  and  articu- 
lated his  words  so  perfectly  that  he  might  be  heard 

12.  What  does  Franklin  say  of  Mr.  Whitcfi*  d's  character  1  13. 
Where  did  Franklin  see  him  for  the  last  time  '  14.  What  does  he 
say  of  his  eloquence  ? 


78  LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN. 

and  understood  at  a  great  distance ;  especially  as 
his  auditories  observed  the  most  perfect  silence. 
He  preached  one  evening  from  the  top  of  the  court 
house  steps,  which  are  in  the  middle  of  Market 
street,  and  on  the  west  side  of  Second  street,  which 
crosses  it  at  right  angles.  Both  streets  were  filled 
with  hearers  to  a  considerable  distance ;  being 
among  the  hindmost  in  Market  street,  I  had  the 
curiosity  to  learn  how  far  he  could  be  heard,  by  re- 
tiring backwards  down  the  street  towards  the  river, 
and  I  found  his  voice  distinct  till  I  came  near  Front 
street,  when  some  noise  in  that  street  obscured  it. 
I  computed  that  he  might  well  be  heard  by  more 
than  thirty  thousand.  This  reconciled  me  to  the 
newspaper  accounts  of  his  having  preached  to 
25,000  people  in  the  fields,  and  to  the  history  of 
generals  haranguing  whole  armies,  of  which  I  had 
sometimes  doubted." 

15.  Franklin's  business  was  now  constantly  in- 
creasing, and  his  newspaper  had  become  very  profit- 
able. He  began  to  feel  the  truth  of  the  old  proverb, 
"  that  after  getting  the  first  hundred  pounds,  it  is 
more  easy  to  get  the  second."  Those  of  his  work- 
men who  behaved  well,  he  established  in  printing 
houses  in  different  colonies,  on  easy  terms.  Most 
of  them  did  well,  and  were  able  to  repay  him  what 
he  had  advanced,  and  go  on  working  for  themselves. 

16.  At  this  period,  there  were  no  preparations 

By  how  many  did  he  compute  that  he  might  be  heard  at  a  time  ? 
15.  How  were  Franklin's  affairs  succeeding  at  this  tisoe  { 


LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN.  79 

for  military  defence  in  Pennsylvania.  The  inhab- 
itants were  mostly  Quakers,  and  had  neglected  to 
take  any  suitable  measures  against  the  enemies  to 
whom  they  might  be  exposed.  There  was  also  no 
college  in  the  state,  nor  any  proper  provision  for  the 
complete  education  of  youth.  Franklin  accord- 
ingly turned  his  attention  to  these  very  important 
subjects. 

17.  Spain  had  been  several  years  at  war  with 
Great  Britain,  and  had  now  been  recently  joined  by 
France.  From  the  French  possessions  in  Canada, 
Pennsylvania  was  exposed  to  continual  danger. 
The  governor  of  the  province  had  been  some  time 
trying  to  prevail  upon  the  Quaker  assembly  to  pass 
a  militia  law,  and  take  other  necessary  steps  for 
their  security.     He  tried,  however,  in  vain. 

18.  Franklin  thought  something  might  be  done 
by  a  subscription  among  the  people.  To  promote 
this  plan,  he  wrote  and  published  a  pamphlet  called 
Plain  Truth.  In  this  he  stated  their  exposed  and 
helpless  situation,  and  represented  the  necessity  of 
union  for  their  defence.  The  pamphlet  had  a  sud- 
den and  surprising  effect.  A  meeting  of  the  citizens 
was  appointed,  and  attended  by  a  considerable 
number.     Proposals  of  the  intended  union  had  been 


16.  To  what  very  important  subjects  did  Franklin  now  turn  his 
attention  ?  17.  How  was  Pennsylvania  exposed  to  danger  1 
What  obstacle  was  there  to  the  passage  of  a  militia  law?  1". 
What  did  Franklin  write  on  the  subject  ?  What  did  he  propose 
for  their  defence  ? 


80  LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN. 

printed,  and  distributed  about  the  room,  to  be  signed 
by  those  who  approved  them.  When  the  company 
separated,  the  papers  were  collected  and  found  to 
contain  above  twelve  hundred  signatures. 

19.  Other  copies  were  scattered  about  the  country, 
and  the  subscribers  at  length  amounted  to  upwards 
:>f  ten  thousand.  All  these  furnished  themselves, 
as  soon  as  they  could,  with  arms,  formed  themselves 
into  companies  and  regiments,  chose  their  ^wn  offi- 
cers, and  met  every  week  to  be  instructed  in  mili- 
tary exercises.  The  women  made  subscriptions 
among  themselves,  and  provided  silk  colors,  which 
they  presented  to  the  companies,  painted  with  dif- 
ferent ornaments  and  mottoes,  supplied  by  Franklin. 

20.  The  officers  of  the  companies  that  formed 
the  Philadelphia  regiment  chose  Franklin  for  their 
colonel.  Not  considering  himself  fit  for  the  office, 
he  declined  ;  and  recommended  that  Mr.  Lawrence, 
a  man  of  influence  and  of  a  fine  person,  should  be 
chosen  in  his  place.  This  gentleman  was  accord- 
ingly elected. 

21.  Franklin  now  proposed  a  lottery,  to  pay  the 
expenses  of  building  a  battery  below  the  town,  and 
of  furnishing  it  with  cannon.  The  lottery  was 
rapidly  filled,  and  the  battery  soon  erected.  They 
brought  some  old  cannon  from  Boston,  and  these 

19.  How  many  subscribers  were  obtained  to  these  proposals  ? 
What  measures  did  they  take  1  20.  To  what  office  was  Frank- 
lin now  chosen,  and  why  did  he  decline  ?  21.  By  what  means  was 
the  battery  erected  and  furnished  ? 


LIFE  OF   FRANKLIN.  81 

not  proving  sufficient,  they  sent  to  London  1'or  more. 
The  associates  kept  a  nightly  guard  at  the  battery, 
and  Franklin  regularly  took  his  turn  of  duty,  as  a 
common  soldier. 

22.  His  activity  in  these  measures  was  agreeable 
to  the  governor  and  council,  and  secured  their  fa- 
vor. They  took  him  into  their  confidence,  and 
consulted  him  on  all  operations  in  respect  to  the 
military.  Franklin  took  the  opportunity  to  propose 
a  public  fast,  to  promote  reformation,  and  implore 
the  blessing  of  Heaven  on  their  undertaking.  They 
embraced  the  motion,  but  as  this  was  the  first  fast 
ever  thought  of  in  the  province,  there  was  no  form 
for  the  proclamation.  Franklin  drew  it  up  in  the 
style  of  the  New  England  proclamation;  it  was 
translated  into  German,  printed  in  both  languages, 
and  circulated  through  the  province.  This  gave 
the  clergy  of  the  different  sects  an  opportunity  of 
influencing  their  hearers  to  join  the  association  ; 
and  it  would,  probably,  have  been  general  among 
all  but  the  Quakers,  if  it  had  not  been  for  the  news 
of  peace. 

22.  What  did  Franklin  propose  ?  How  was  the  proclamation 
for  fast  drawn  up  and  circulated  ?  What  news  was  brought  at 
this  time  ? 

D2 


82  LIFE  OF  FRANK LiiN. 


CHAPTER  X. 


Anecdote.  William  Penn.  Education  of  Youth.  Sub- 
scription for  an  Academy.  Franklin  overloaded  with 
public  Offices.  Member  of  the  Assembly.  Treaty  loith 
the  Indians  at  Carlisle.     Public  Hospital.     Anecdote. 

1.  It  was  thought  by  pome  of  the  friends  of 
Franklin,  that  he  would  offend  the  peace-loving  sect 
of  Quakers,  by  his  activity  in  these  warlike  prepara- 
tions. A  young  man,  who  had  some  friends  in  the 
assembly,  and  wished  to  succeed  him  as  their  clerk, 
told  him,  in  a  quiet  way,  that  it  was  intended  to  dis- 
place him  at  the  next  election,  and  that,  as  a  friend, 
he  should  advise  him  to  resign. 

2.  The  answer  which  Franklin  made  to  this 
obliging  young  man  was  in  the  following  words : — 
"  I  have  heard  or  read  of  some  public  man,  who 
made  it  a  rule  never  to  ask  for  an  office,  and  never 
to  refuse  one  when  offered  to  him.  I  approve  of 
this  rule,  and  shall  practise  it  with  a  small  addition  ; 
I  shall  never  ask,  never  refuse,  nor  ever  resign  an 
office.  If  they  will  have  my  office  of  clerk  to  dis- 
pose of  it  to  another,  they  shall  take  it  from  me.  I 
will  not  give  it  up."  At  the  next  election,  Frank- 
lin was  unanimously  elected  clerk. 

1.  What  advice  did  Franklin  receive  at  this  time  ?    2.  Whai 

answer  did  he  return  1     What  was  the  result  of  the  election  ? 


LIFE  OF  FRANKUN.  83 

3.  Notwithstanding  the  general  sentiments  of  the 
Quakers,  Franklin  thought  the  military  defence  of 
the  country  not  disagreeable  to  any  of  them.  One 
of  their  number,  the  learned  and  honorable  Mr. 
Logan,  wrote  an  address  to  them,  declaring  his  ap- 
probation of  defensive  war,  and  supporting  his  opin- 
ion by  very  strong  arguments.  This  gentleman 
related  an  anecdote  of  his  old  master,  William  Penn, 
in  respect  to  the  subject  of  defence,  which  is  quite 
amusing. 

4.  "  He  came  over  from  England,  when  a  young 
man,  as  secretary  to  this  distinguished  Quaker.  It 
was  war  time,  and  their  ship  was  chased  by  an 
armed  vessel,  supposed  to  be  an  enemy.  Their 
captain  prepared  for  defence,  but  told  William  Penn 
and  his  company  of  Quakers,  that  he  did  not  ex- 
pect their  assistance,  and  they  might  retire  into  the 
cabin.  They  all  retired  except  James  Logan,  who 
chose  to  stay  upon  deck,  and  was  quartered  to  a 
gun. 

5.  "  The  supposed  enemy  proved  a  friend,  so 
there  was  no  fighting.  When  the  secretary  went  to 
carry  the  information  to  his  friends  in  the  cabin, 
William  Penn  spoke  to  him  in  severe  language  for 
staying  upon  deck,  and  undertaking  to  assist  in  the 
defence  of  the  vessel,  contrary  to  the  principles  of 
the   Friends.     This  reproof,   being  before  all  the 

3  What  did  Franklin  consider  the  opinion  of  Quakers  on  the 
subject  of  defence  ?  4.  What  anecdote  is  related  of  William 
Penn  1 


84  LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN. 

company,  vexed  the  secretary,  who  replied — '  I 
being  thy  servant,  why  did  thee  not  order  me  to 
come  down ;  but  thee  was  willing  enough  that  I 
should  stay  and  help  to  fight  the  ship,  when  thee 
thought  there  was  danger.'  " 

G.  Peace  being  concluded,  and  the  business  of 
defence  at  an  end,  Franklin  next  turned  his  thoughts 
to  the  affair  of  establishing  an  academy.  The  first 
step  he  took  was  to  associate  in  the  design  a  num- 
ber of  his  active  friends  ;  the  next  was  to  write  and 
publish  a  pamphlet,  entitled  "  Proposals  relating  to 
the  Education  of  Youth  in  Philadelphia."  This  he 
distributed  among  the  principal  inhabitants,  and  in 
a  short  time  opened  a  subscription  for  supporting  an 
academy.  The  subscribers  were  desirous  of  carry- 
ing the  plan  into  immediate  execution.  The  con- 
stitutions for  the  government  of  the  academy  were 
soon  drawn  up  and  signed,  a  house  was  hired,  mas- 
ters engaged,  and  the  school  opened.  This  was  in 
the  year  1749. 

7.  The  scholars  increased  rapidly,  the  house  was 
soon  found  too  small,  when  accident  threw  in  their 
way  a  large  house,  ready  built,  which,  with  a  few 
alterations,  would  exactly  answer  their  purpose 
This  was  the  building  erected  by  the  hearers  of  Mr. 
Whitefield.  Some  difficulty  had  been  found  by  the 
trustees  in  paying  the  expenses  of  this  church,  and 

G.  To  wnat  did  Franklin  turn  his  attention  on  the  declaration  of 
peace  ?     In   what  year  was  the   academy  founded  1     7.  What 

buildin"-  was  taken  for  the  school  house  ? 


LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN.  g/> 

they  were  prevailed  upon  to  give  it  up  for  the  acad- 
emy. It  was  soon  made  fit  for  that  purpose,  and 
the  scholars  were  removed  into  the  building.  The 
whole  care  and  trouble  of  superintending  this  work 
fell  upon  Franklin,  who  found  sufficient  leisure  to 
attend  to  it,  from  having  taken  a  very  able  and  in- 
dustrious partner  in  his  printing  business. 

8.  Franklin  now  thought  that  he  should  find 
leisure,  during  the  rest  of  his  life,  to  pursue  his 
philosophical  studies  and  amusements.  He  pur- 
chased all  the  instruments  and  apparatus  of  Dr. 
Spence,  who  had  come  from  England  to  lecture  on 
philosophy  in  Philadelphia.  His  intention  was  to 
proceed  with  diligence  in  his  experiments  in  elec- 
tricity. But  the  public  now  considered  him  a  man 
of  leisure,  and  laid  hold  of  him  for  their  purposes. 

9.  He  seems  to  have  been  quite  overloaded  with 
offices.  The  governor  made  him  a  justice  of  the 
peace.  The  city  corporation  chose  him  a  member 
of  the  common  council,  and  shortly  after  alderman. 
The  citizens  elected  him  to  represent  them  in  the 
assembly,  of  which  he  had  so  long  been  clerk.  All 
these  offices  were  signs  of  the  esteem  and  respect 
in  which  he  was  held  among  his  fellow  citizens. 

10.  Franklin  tried  the  office  of  justice  of  the 
peace  a  little  while,  by  attending  a  few  courts,  and 
sitting  on  the  bench  to  hear  causes.     Finding,  how- 

8.  To  what  pursuits  did  he  now  intend  to  devote  himself? 
What  did  the  public  consider  him  ?  9.  What  offices  did  he  re- 
ceive at  this  time  ? 

8 


86  LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN. 

ever,  that  it  required  more  knowledge  of  the  law 
than  he  possessed,  he  gradually  withdrew  from  it ; 
excusing  himself  by  being  obliged  to  attend  his  du- 
ties as  member  of  the  assembly.  To  this  office  he 
was  chosen  for  ten  years  in  succession,  without  ever 
asking  any  elector  for  his  vote,  or  signifying,  di- 
ectly  or  indirectly,  any  desire  of  the  honor.  On 
taking  his  seat  in  the  house,  his  son  was  appointed 
their  clerk. 

11.  During  the  next  year,  a  treaty  was  to  be  held 
with  the  Indians  at  Carlisle.  The  governor  sent  a 
message  to  the  house,  requesting  that  they  should 
nominate  some  of  their  members,  to  be  joined  with 
some  members  of  council,  for  that  purpose.  The 
house  named  the  speaker,  Mr.  Norris,  and  Dr. 
Franklin;  and  being  commissioned,  they  went  to 
Carlisle  to  treat  with  the  Indians. 

12.  As  the  Indians  were  very  apt  to  drink  to 
excess,  and  when  drunk  were  very  quarrelsome  and 
disorderly,  the  commissioners  strictly  forbade  the 
sale  of  any  liquor  to  them.  When  they  complained 
of  this,  they  were  told  that,  on  condition  of  their 
remaining  perfectly  sober  during  the  treaty,  they 
should  have  plenty  of  rum  when  the  business  was 
over.  They  accordingly  promised  this,  and  kept 
their  promise  for  the  very  best  reason  in  the  world — ■ 
because  they  were  unable  to  break  it.     The  treaty 

10.  Why  did  he  retire  from  the  office  of  justice  of  the  peace  ? 
11.  Who  were  appointed  to  treat  with  the  Indians  ?  12.  What 
is  related  of  the  Indians  ? 


LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN.  87 

was  conducted  with  perfect  order,   and  concluded 
to  the  satisfaction  of  both  parties. 

13.  They  then  claimed  and  received  the  rum. 
This  was  in  the  afternoon.  The  Indians  were  about 
one  hundred  in  number,  men,  women  and  children, 
and  were  lodged  in  cabins,  built  in  the  form  of  a 
square,  just  without  the  town.  In  the  evening  there 
was  a  great  noise  among  them,  and  the  commission 
ers  walked  out  to  see  what  was  the  matter.  They 
found  a  great  bonfire  built  in  the  middle  of  the 
square,  and  the  men  and  women,  in  a  state  of  in- 
toxication, fighting  and  quarrelling  around  it.  The 
tumult  could  not  be  stilled,  and  the  commissioners 
retired  to  their  lodgings. 

14.  At  midnight,  a  number  of  the  Indians  came 
thundering  at  their  door,  demanding  more  rum  ;  but 
the  commissioners  took  no  notice  of  them.  The 
next  day  they  were  sensible  of  their  misbehavior,  and 
sent  three  of  their  old  counsellors  to  make  an 
excuse.  The  orator  acknowledged  the  fault,  but 
laid  it  upon  the  rum ;  and  then  endeavored  to  ex- 
cuse the  rum,  by  saying — "  The  Great  Spirit,  who 
made  all  things,  made  every  thing  for  some  use,  and 
whatever  use  he  designed  any  thing  for,  that  use  it 
should  always  be  put  to :  now,  when  he  made  rum, 
he  said,  '  Let  this  be  for  the  Indians  to  get  drunk 
with,'  and  it  must  be  so."     It  is  a  sad  truth  that 


How  was  the  treaty  concluded  ?  13.  What  happened  ii:  the 
evening  ?  14.  What  course  did  they  pursue  the  next  day  7  How 
did  the  commissioners  excuse  themselves  ? 


88  LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN. 

among  all  savage  nations,  the  introduction  of  spir- 
ituous liquor  has  been  the  most  severe  curse  that 
ever  fell  upon  them. 

15.  In  1751,  Dr.  Thomas  Bond  formed  a  plan  to 
establish  an  hospital  in  Philadelphia,  for  the  recep- 
tion and  cure  of  poor  sick  persons,  whether  inhab- 
itants of  the  province  or  strangers.  He  was  very 
active  in  endeavoring  to  procure  subscriptions  for  it, 
but  the  proposal  being  new  in  America,  and  at  first 
not  well  understood,  he  met  with  but  little  success. 
At  length  he  came  to  Franklin  with  the  compliment 
that  there  was  no  such  a  thing  as  carrying  a  public- 
spirited  thing  through,  without  his  being  concerned 
in  it.  "  For,"  said  he,  "  I  am  often  asked  by  those 
to  whom  I  propose  subscribing,  Have  you  consulted 
Franklin  on  this  business  ?  And  what  does  he  think 
of  it  ?  And  when  I  tell  them  I  have  not,  they  do 
not  subscribe,  but  say,  they  will  consider  it." 

16.  Franklin  inquired  into  the  nature  and  prob- 
able usefulness  of  the  scheme,  and  being  satisfied  in 
respect  to  it,  not  only  subscribed  himself,  but  was 
active  in  procuring  subscriptions  from  others.  Some 
aid  was  obtained  from  the  assembly  of  the  province. 
A  convenient  and  handsome  building  was  soon 
erected,  the  institution  was  found  useful,  and  flour- 
ishes to  the  present  day. 

17.  It  was  about  this  time  that  another  projector, 

15.  Who  proposed  the  plan  for  the  Philadelphia  hospital  ? 
What  compliment  did  he  pay  to  Franklin  ?  16.  Did  Franklin 
npprove  of  the  scheme  and  assist  in  it  ? 


LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN.  89 

the  Rev.  Gilbert  Tennent,  came  te  Franklin  with  a 
request  that  he  would  assist  him  in  procuring  sub- 
scriptions to  erect  a  new  meeting-house.  It  was  to 
be  devoted  to  the  use  of  a  congregation  he  had  gath- 
ered among  the  original  disciples  of  Mr.  Whitefield. 
Franklin  was  too  wise  to  make  himself  disagreeable 
to  his  fellow  citizens,  by  such  frequent  calls  upon 
their  generosity,  and  absolutely  refused.  The  gen- 
tleman then  desired  he  would  furnish  him  with  a 
list  of  the  names  of  persons  he  knew  by  experience 
to  be  generous  and  public-spirited.  This,  also,  was 
refused ;  for  it  was  hard  that  their  kind  compliance 
with  a  request  of  charity  should  mark  them  out  to 
be  worried  by  all  who  chose  to  call  upon  them. 

18.  Franklin  was  then  asked  to  give  his  advice. 
"That  I  will  do,"  he  replied;  "and  in  the  first 
place,  I  advise  you  to  apply  to  all  those  who  you 
know  will  give  something ;  next,  to  those  of  whom 
you  are  uncertain  whether  they  will  give  any  thing 
or  not,  and  show  them  the  list  of  those  who  have 
given  ;  and  lastly,  do  not  neglect  those  who  you  are 
sure  will  give  nothing ;  for  in  some  of  them  you  may 
be  mistaken."  The  clergyman  laughed,  and  prom- 
ised to  take  his  advice.  He  did  so,  for  he  asked  of 
every  body,  and  soon  obtained  money  enough  to 
erect  a  spacious  and  elegant  meeting-house. 

19.  Franklin  now  exerted  himself  in  several  mat- 
ters that,  however  small  they  may  seem,  affected  the 

17.  What  did  Mr.  Gilbert  Tennent  request  of  Franklin  ?  How 
was  Iris  request  treated  ?     18.  What  advice  did  Franklin  give  ? 

8* 


90  LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN. 

convenience  and  comfort  of  his  fellow  citizens  in  h 
great  degree.  This  was  in  respect  to  cleaning, 
paving,  and  lighting  the  streets.  By  talking,  and 
writing  in  the  papers,  he  was  able  to  introduce  great 
changes  in  these  matters,  which  were  very  impor- 
tant to  the  cleanliness  and  good  appearance  of  the 


CHAPTER   XL 

Spence's  Experiments  in  Electricity.  Franklin  repeats 
them.  Makes  important  Discoveries.  Letters  to  Col- 
linson.  Experiment  ivith  the  Kite.  Publication  of 
his  Letters.  Anecdote  of  the  Abbe'  JVollet.  Fame  of 
Franklin.     Elected  a  Member  of  the  Royal  Society. 

1.  It  was  in  the  year  1746,  that  Franklin  first 
attended  to  the  branch  of  philosophy  in  which  he 
afterwards  became  so  distinguished.  During  that 
year  he  was  in  Boston,  and  there  met  with  a  Dr. 
Spence,  who  showed  him  some  experiments  in  elec- 
tricity. It  was  a  subject  altogether  new  to  him, 
and,  though  the  experiments  were  not  very  well  per- 
formed, they  surprised  and  pleased  him. 

2.  If  you  take  a  stick  of  sealing-wax,  or  a  glass 
tube,  or  a  piece  of  amber  which  has  been  a  long 

19.  To  what  smaller  matters  of  public  interest  did  Franklin  now 
attend  ? 

1.  When  did  Franklin  first  attend  to  electricity  ?  2.  Relate  the 
substance  of  the  second  paragraph. 


LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN.  91 

time  untouched,  and  bring  it  near  some  small  pieces 
of  paper,  chaff,  or  other  light  substance,  it  produces 
no  impression  upon  them.  But  if  you  first  rub 
lightly  and  briskly  the  wax,  the  tube,  or  the  amber, 
with  a  piece  of  dry  woollen  cloth,  or  cat  skin,  and 
then  bring  it  near  any  of  these  light  substances,  you 
will  find  that  they  fly  to  it,  and  remain  upon  it. 
The  power  which  attracts  these  substances,  and 
which  is  excited  by  the  rubbing,  is  called  electricity. 

3.  It  is  so  called  from  a  Greek  word  which  sig- 
nifies amber,  the  substance  in  which  this  power  was 
first  observed.  Amber  is  a  brittle  mineral  sub- 
stance, of  a  yellow,  and  sometimes  a  reddish  brown 
color.  It  is  found  in  several  countries  in  Europe, 
and  has  recently  been  found  in  the  United  States, 
at  Cape  Sable,  in  Maryland.  This  is  the  substance 
with  which  the  first  electrical  experiment  was  per- 
formed, ages  ago,  by  a  Greek  philosopher  of  the 
name  of  Thales. 

4.  Several  centuries  passed  without  any  thing 
being  known  upon  this  subject,  beyond  the  fact  that 
these  substances  possessed  this  power.  At  length 
it  began  to  attract  the  attention  of  modern  philoso- 
phers. In  1742,  several  ingenious  Germans  en- 
gaged in  the  subject,  and  the  results  of  their  re- 
searches astonished  all  Europe.  They  obtained 
large  apparatus,  by  means  of  which  they  were  en- 

3.  From  what  is  the  word  electricity  derived  ?  What  is  amber  ? 
Where  is  it  found  7  4.  When  was  the  subject  first  examined  by 
modern  philosophers  ? 


<)2  LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN. 

abled  to  collect  large  quantities  of  the  electric  fluid, 
and  produce  sevei  xl  wonders  which  had  been  before 
unobserved. 

5.  These  experiments  excited  the  curiosity  of 
other  philosophers.  Mr.  Peter  Collinson,  fellow  of 
the  Royal  Society  of  London,  about  the  year  1745, 
sent  to  the  library  company  of  Philadelphia  a  glass 
tube,  with  some  account  of  its  use  in  making  such 
experiments.  Franklin  eagerly  seized  the  oppor- 
tunity of  repeating  those  which  he  had  seen  at  Bos- 
ton, and,  by  much  practice,  acquired  great  readiness 
in  performing  those  of  which  they  had  an  account 
from  England. 

6.  He  was  soon  enabled  to  make  a  number  of 
important  discoveries,  and  his  house  was,  for  some 
time,  continually  full  of  people  who  came  to  see  the 
new  wonders.  His  observations  upon  the  subject 
were,  from  time  to  time,  communicated  to  his  friend 
Collinson,  in  a  series  of  letters,  the  first  of  which 
is  dated  March  23,  1747.  These  were  read  before 
the  Royal  Society,  where  they  were  not  at  first 
thought  worthy  of  much  attention. 

7.  In  the  year  1749,  Franklin  first  suggested  the 
idea  of  explaining  the  sameness  of  electricity  with 
lightning.  A  paper  upon  this  subject,  which  he 
wrote  for  Mr.  Kinnersly,  was  read  before  the  mem- 
bers of  the  Royal  Society,  and  excited   a  hearty 

5.  What  did  Mr.  Collinson  send  to  Philadelphia  1  7.  When 
did  Franklin  first  suggest  that  electricity  and  lightning  were  th« 
same  ? 


LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN.  93 

Iuugh.  But  it  was  the  lot  of  this  neglected  theory 
to  be  generally  adopted  by  philosophers,  and  to  bid 
"air  to  endure  for  ages. 

8.  It  was  in  the  same  year,  that  Franklin  started 
the  plan  of  proving  the  truth  of  his  doctrine,  by 
actually  drawing  down  the  lightning,  by  means  of 
sharp-pointed  iron  rods  raised  high  into  the  clouds. 
It  was  not  until  the  summer  of  1752,  that  he  was 
enabled  to  complete  his  grand  discovery  by  actual 
experiment. 

9.  The  plan  which  he  had  first  proposed  was,  to 
erect  a  box  on  some  high  tower,  or  other  elevated 
place,  from  which  should  rise  a  pointed  iron  rod. 
He  thought  that  electrified  clouds,  passing  over  it, 
would  impart  a  portion  of  their  electricity,  which 
would  be  made  evident  by  presenting  a  key  or  the 
knuckle  to  it.  There  was  at  this  time,  in  Phila- 
delphia, no  opportunity  of  trying  an  experiment  of 
the  kind.  But  while  Franklin  was  waiting  for  the 
erection  of  a  spire,  it  occurred  to  him  that  he  might 
have  a  more  ready  access  to  the  clouds  by  means 
of  a  common  kite. 

10.  He  prepared  a  kite  by  fastening  two  cross 
sticks  to  a  silk  handkerchief,  which  would  not  suffer 
from  the  rain  so  much  as  paper.  To  the  upright 
stick  he  affixed  an  iron  point.     The  string  was,  as 

8.  llow  did  he  propose  to  prove  the  truth  of  his  doctrine  ? 
When  did  he  prove  it  by  actual  experiment  ?  9.  What  plans  had 
lie  at  first  proposed?  What  occurred  to  him  afterwards?  10 
How  did  he  prepare  the  kite  ? 


5)4  LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN. 

usual,  of  hemp,  excepting  the  lower  end,  which  was 
made  of  silk,  because  this  substance  does  not  give 
a  free  passage  to  the  electricity. 

11.  With  this  kite,  on  the  appearance  of  a  thun- 
der storm,  he  went  out  into  the  commons  with  his 
son,  to  whom  alone  he  had  communicated  his  in 
tentions.  He  placed  himself  under  a  shed  to  avoid 
the  rain  ;  his  kite  was  raised — a  thunder  cloud 
passed  over  it,  but  no  sign  of  electricity  appeared. 
The  experiment  had  almost  been  given  up  in  despair, 
when  he  perceived,  in  the  loose  fibres  of  the  string, 
evident  appearances  of  electricity.  By  continued 
observation  the  fact  was  most  clearly  proved ;  and 
the  honor  of  establishing  the  sameness  of  electricity 
and  lightning  was  won  by  Franklin. 

12.  The  letters  which  Franklin  had  sent  to  Mr. 
Collinson  were  published  by  that  gentleman  in  a 
separate  volume,  under  the  title  of  "  New  Experi- 
ments and  Observations  on  Electricity,  made  at 
Philadelphia,  in  America."  They  were  read  with 
great  eagerness,  and  soon  translated  into  different 
languages.  A  very  incorrect  French  translation 
fell  into  the  hands  of  the  celebrated  Buffon,  who  was 
much  pleased  with  it,  and  performed  the  experi- 
ments with  success.  A  more  correct  translation 
was  undertaken  at  his  request,  and  contributed  much 
towards  spreading  a  knowledge  of  Franklin's  prin- 

11.  Relate  the  progress  of  the  experiment.  12.  Under  what 
title  were  Franklin's  letters  on  the  subject  printed  1  How  were 
they  received  1  By  whose  request  was  a  c  orrect  French  translation 
made  ? 


LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN.  95 

ciples  in  France.  His  experiments  were  repeated 
by  most  of  the  distinguished  philosophers  through- 
out Europe. 

13.  By  these  experiments,  the  truth  of  Franklin's 
doctrine  was  established  in  the  firmest  manner. 
When  it  could  no  longer  be  doubted,  some  men 
were  anxious  to  take  away  from  its  merit.  It  was 
considered  at  that  time  rather  mortifying  to  the  Eu- 
ropean philosophers,  to  admit  that  an  American 
could  make  important  discoveries  which  had  escaped 
their  notice. 

14.  The  Abbe  Nollet,  preceptor  in  natural  phi- 
losophy to  the  royal  family  of  France,  was  exceed- 
ingly offended  at  the  publication  of  Franklin's  let- 
ters. He  had  himself  written  about  electricity,  and 
could  not  at  first  believe  that  such  a  work  had  really 
come  from  America.  He  said  it  must  have  been 
composed  by  his  enemies  in  Paris,  to  oppose  his 
system.  Afterwards,  having  been  assured  that  there 
really  existed  such  a  person  as  Franklin  at  Phila- 
delphia, he  published  a  volume  of  letters,  in  defence 
of  his  own  ideas  upon  the  subject,  and  denying  the 
propositions  of  the  American  philosopher. 

15.  Franklin  thought  at  one  time  of  writing  a 
letter  in  reply  to  the  abbe,  and  actually  began  one. 
But  on  considering  that  any  one  might  repeat  his 
experiments,  and  ascertain  for  himself  whether  or 

13.  What  was  the  result  of  the  establishment  of  Franklin's  doc- 
trine ?  14.  What  was  the  conduct  of  the  Abbe  Nollel  1  15.  What 
course  ili'l  Franklin  pursue  on  ihe  subject  ? 


06  LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN 

not  they  were  true,  he  concluded  to  let  his  papers 
shift  for  themselves  ;  believing  it  was  better  to  spend 
what  time  he  could  spare  in  making  new  experi- 
ments than  in  disputing  about  those  already  made. 

16.  The  event  gave  him  no  cause  to  repent  of 
his  silence.  His  friend,  Monsieur  Le  Roy,  of  the 
Royal  Academy  of  Sciences,  took  up  his  cause,  and 
refuted  the  abbe.  Franklin's  volume  was  trans- 
lated into  the  Italian,  German  and  Latin  languages  ; 
and  the  doctrine  it  contained  was,  by  degrees,  gen- 
erally adopted  by  the  philosophers  of  Europe,  in 
preference  to  that  of  Nollet. 

17.  What  gave  his  book  the  more  sudden  and 
general  celebrity  was  the  success  of  one  of  its  pro- 
posed experiments,  made  at  Marly,  for  drawing 
lightning  from  the  clouds.  This  engaged  the  pub- 
lic attention  every  where.  The  "  Philadelphia  ex- 
periments," as  they  were  called,  were  performed 
before  the  king  and  court,  and  all  the  curious  of 
Paris  flocked  to  see  them. 

18.  Dr.  Wright,  an  English  physician,  was  at 
Paris  when  they  were  the  talk  and  wonder  of  the 
day.  He  wrote  to  a  member  of  the  Royal  Society 
an  account  of  the  high  esteem  in  which  the  experi 
ments  of  Franklin  were  held  by  learned  men  abroad 
and  of  their  surprise  that  his  writings  had  been  so 

1G.  Did  he  regret  his  silence  ?  State  the  substance  of  this  par- 
agraph. 17.  What  gave  the  book  the  more  general  celebrity  ? 
18.  Who  was  Dr.  Wright  ?  What  communication  did  he  make 
to  the  Royal  Society  ? 


LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN.  97 

little  noticed  in  England.  The  society,  on  this, 
resumed  the  consideration  of  the  letters  that  had 
been  read  to  them,  and  a  summary  account  of  their 
doctrines  was  drawn  up  and  published  among  their 
philosophical  essays  and  transactions. 

19.  To  make 'Franklin  some  amends  for  the  slight 
with  which  they  had  before  treated  him,  the  society 
chose  him  a  member,  without  his  having  made  the 
usual  application.  They  also  presented  him  with 
the  gold  medal  of  Sir  Godfrey  Copley  for  the  year 
1753,  the  delivery  of  which  was  accompanied  by  a 
very  complimentary  speech  from  the  president,  Lord 
Macclesfield. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

Appointed  Postmaster- General.  Journey  to  Mew  Eng- 
land. Receives  Degrees  front,  two  Colleges.  Story  of 
the  Visit  to  his  Mother. 

1.  Having  been  some  time  employed  by  the  post- 
master-general  of  America  in  regulating  the  several 
offices,  and  bringing  the  officers  to  account,  lipon 
his  death,  in  1753,  Franklin  was  appointed,  jointly 
with  another  gentleman,  to  succeed  him.  The 
American  office  had  before  this  time  never  paid  any 
thing  to  that  of  Great  Britain ;  and  the  new  post- 
19.  What  honors  did  the  society  confer  upon  him  ? 
1.  What  appointment  did  Franklin  receive  at  tins  time. 

9    '  E 


US  LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN. 

masters  were  to  have  six  hundred  pounds  between 
them,  if  they  could  make  that  sum  out  of  the  profits 
of  the  office. 

2.  To  do  this,  a  variety  of  improvements  were 
necessary,  some  of  which  were  at  first  very  expen- 
sive ;  so  that,  for  the  first  four  years,  the  office  became 
more  than  nine  hundred  pounds  in  debt  to  them. 
Afterwards  they  began  to  be  repaid,  and  before 
Franklin  was  displaced,  they  had  brought  it.  to  yield 
three  times  as  much  clear  profit  to  the  crown,  as  the 
post-office  of  Ireland.  After  Franklin's  dismission, 
they  never  received  a  farthing  from  it. 

53.  The  business  of  the  post-office  occasioned  his 
taking  a  journey  to  New  England,  where  the  Col- 
lege of  Cambridge  presented  him  with  the  degree 
of  Master  of  Arts.  Yale  College,  in  Connecticut, 
had  before  paid  him  a  similar  compliment.  Thus, 
without  studying  in  any  college,  he  came  to  partake 
of  their  honors.  They  were  conferred  in  consider- 
ation of  his  discoveries  and  improvements  in  natural 
philosophy. 

4.  It  was  either  during  this  or  his  former  journey 
that  the  story  of  the  visit  to  his  mother  originated. 
He  had  been  some  years  absent  from  his  native  city 
and  was  at  that  period  of  life  when  the  greatest  and 
most  rapid  alteration  is  made  in  the  human  appear- 
ance.    Franklin  was  sensible  that  his  person  had 

2.  Was  the  post-office,  under  Franklin,  a  source  of  revenue  to 
the  crown  ?  3.  What  honors  did  Franklin  receive  from  the  co) 
leges  ? 


LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN.  99 

beon  so  much  changed  that  his  mother  would  not 
know  him,  unless  there  were  some  instinct  to  point 
out,  at  a  single  glance,  the  child  to  its  parent. 

5.  To  discover  the  existence  of  this  instinct  by 
actual  experiment,  Franklin  determined  to  intro- 
duce himself  to  his  mother  as  a  stranger,  and  to 
watch  narrowly  for  the  moment  in  which  she  should 
discover  her  son.  On  the  afternoon  of  a  sullen  cold 
day,  in  the  month  of  January,  he  knocked  at  his 
mother's  door,  and  asked  to  speak  with  Mrs.  Frank- 
lin. He  found  the  old  lady  knitting  before  the  par- 
lor fire,  introduced  himself,  by  observing  that  he  had 
been  informed  she  entertained  travellers,  and  re- 
quested a  night's  lodging. 

6.  She  eyed  him  with  coldness,  and  assured  him 
that  he  had  been  misinformed — that  she  did  not 
keep  a  tavern  ;  though,  to  oblige  some  members  of 
the  legislature,  she  took  a  number  of  them  into  her 
family  during  the  session  ;  and  at  that  time  had  four 
members  of  the  council  and  six  of  the  house  of 
representatives  who  boarded  with  her.  She  added 
that  all  her  beds  were  full,  and  went  on  knitting 
with  a  great  deal  of  vehemence. 

7.  Franklin  wrapped  his  coat  around  him,  pre- 
tending to  shiver  with  the  cold,  and  observing  that 
it  was  very  chilly  weather.  It  was,  of  course,  noth- 
ing more  than  civil  for  the  old  lady  to  ask  him  to 

5.  Why  did  Franklin  introduce  himself  to  his  mother  as  a 
stranger?  In  what  situation  did  he  find  her?  G.  How  did  she 
receive  li'.in  ? 


100  LIFE  OF    FIIANKLIN. 

stop  and  warm  himself.     She  pointed  to  a  chair, 
and  he  drew  himself  up  to  the  fire. 

8.  The  entrance  of  her  boarders  prevented  any 
further  conversation.  Coffee  was  soon  served,  and 
the  stranger  partook  with  the  rest  of  the  family. 
To  the  coffee,  according  to  the  custom  of  the  times, 
succeeded  a  plate  of  apples,  pipes,  and  a  paper  of 
tobacco.  A  pleasant  circle  of  smokers  was  then 
formed  about  the  fire.  Agreeable  conversation  fol- 
lowed. Jokes  were  cracked,  stories  told,  and 
Franklin  was  so  sensible  and  entertaining  as  to 
attract  the  attention  of  the  whole  company, 

9.  In  this  manner  the  moments  passed  pleasantly 
and  swiftly  along,  and  it  was  eight  o'clock  before 
any  of  them  expected  it.  This  was  the  hour  of 
supper,  and  Mrs.  Franklin  was  always  as  punctual 
as  the  clock.  Busied  with  family  affairs,  she  sup- 
posed the  stranger  had  quitted  the  house  imme- 
diately after  coffee.  Imagine  her  surprise,  when 
she  saw  him,  with  the  utmost  coolness  and  impu- 
dence, taking  his  seat  with  the  family  at  the  supper 
table ! 

10.  Immediately  after  supper,  she  called  an  el- 
derly gentleman,  a  member  of  the  council,  with 
whom  she  was  in  the  habit  of  consulting,  into  an- 
other room  ;  complained  of  the  rudeness  of  the 
stranger,  told  the  manner  of  his  coming  into  the 
house,  observed  that  he  appeared  like  a  foreigner, 
and  she  thought  had  something  about  him  yery  sus- 

3.  What  was  the  evening  custom  at  that  time  1 


LIFE  OF   FRANKLIN,  101 

picious.  The  old  gentleman  assured  her  that  she 
need  not  be  under  any  alarm,  that  the  stranger  wa& 
a  man  of  education  and  agreeable  manners,  and  was, 
probably,  unaware  of  the  lateness  of  the  hour.  lie 
added,  that  it  would  be  well  to  call  him  aside,  and 
repeat  to  him  that  she  was  unable  to  give  him 
lodgings. 

11.  She  accordingly  sent  her  maid  to  him,  and 
then  repeated  the  account  of  their  situation,  observed 
that  it  grew  late,  and  gently  hinted  that  he  would 
do  well  to  seek  out  other  accommodations.  The 
stranger  replied  that  he  should  be  very  sorry  to  put 
her  to  any  inconvenience,  and  would  retire  after 
smoking  one  more  pipe  with  her  boarders.  He  re- 
turned to  the  company,  filled  his  pipe,  and  began 
talking  as  pleasantly  and  forcibly  as  ever.  He  re- 
counted the  hardships,  and  praised  the  piety  and 
wisdom  of  their  ancestors. 

12.  A  gentleman  present  mentioned  the  subject 
of  the  day's  debate  in  the  house  of  representatives. 
A  bill  had  been  introduced  to  extend  the  powers  of 
the  royal  governor.  The  stranger  immediately  en- 
tered upon  the  subject,  supported  the  rights  of  the 
colonies  with  many  arguments  and  much  eloquence, 
and  showed  a  great  familiarity  with  the  names  of 
influential  members  of  the  house  in  the  time  of 
Governor  Dudley. 

13.  The  conversation  was  so  animated  and  in- 
teresting that  the  clock  struck  eleven,  unnoticed  by 
the  delighted  circle.     The  patience  of  Mrs.  Frank- 

<)  * 


102  LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN. 

lin  was  by  this  time  completely  exhausted.  She 
now  entered  the  room,  and,  before  the  whole  com- 
pany, addressed  the  stranger  with  much  anger ;  told 
him  plainly  that  she  thought  herself  imposed  upon  ; 
hat  she  was  a  lone  woman,  but  had  friends  who 
would  protect  her ;  and  concluded  by  telling  him  to 
leave  the  house.  Franklin  made  a  slight  apology, 
put  on  his  great  coat  and  hat,  took  a  polite  leave  of 
the  company,  and  approached  the  street  door,  lighted 
by  the  maid,  and  attended  by  the  mistress. 

14.  While  the  company  had  been  enjoying  them- 
selves within,  a  most  tremendous  snow  storm  had 
filled  the  streets,  knee-deep  ;  and  no  sooner  had 
the  maid  lifted  the  latch,  than  a  roaring  wind  forced 
open  the  door,  put  out  the  light,  and  almost  filled 
the  entry  with  drifted  snow  and  hail.  As  soon  as 
the  candle  was  relighted,  the  stranger  cast  a  mourn- 
ful look  on  the  lady  of  the  mansion,  and  said — "  My 
dear  madam,  if  you  turn  me  out  of  your  house  in 
this  dreadful  storm,  I  am  a  stranger  in  the  town, 
and  shall  certainly  perish  in  the  streets.  You  look 
like  a  charitable  lady ;  I  should  not  think  you  could 
refuse  shelter  to  a  dog  on  such  a  night." 

15.  "  Don't  tell  me  of  charity,"  said  the  offended 
matron  ;  "  charity  begins  at  home.  It  is  your  own 
fault  that  you  staid  so  long.  In  short,  sir,  I  do 
not  like  your  looks,  or  your  conduct  in  thus  forcing 
yourself  upon  my  family,  and  I  fear  you  have  some 
bad  designs." 

IQ.  The  good  lady  had  grown  so  angry  as  to  raise 


LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN.  103 

her  voice  much  above  its  ordinary  pitch,  and  the 
noise  drew  all  the  company  into  the  entry.  They 
did  not  agree  with  Mrs.  Franklin  in  respect  to  the 
stranger  at  all.  He  seemed  to  them  to  be  a  very 
honest,  clever-looking  fellow,  and  so  far  from  wish- 
ing to  turn  him  out  of  the  house,  there  was  not  one 
of  them  but  would  have  been  glad  to  have  him  for  a 
fellow-boarder.  They  thought  him  very  sensible 
and  pleasant,  and  could  not  account  for  their  land- 
lady's aversion. 

17.  At  length,  by  their  united  interference,  the 
stranger  was  permitted  to  remain  in  the  house. 
There  was  no  bed  or  part  of  a  bed  unoccupied,  and 
he  was  obliged  to  sleep  all  night  in  an  easy  chair, 
before  the  parlor  fire.  Although  her  boarders  ap- 
peared to  have  perfect  confidence  in  his  honesty,  it 
was  not  so  with  Mrs.  Franklin.  She  very  carefully 
collected  her  silver  spoons,  pepper  box  and  porrin- 
ger from  her  closet,  and,  after  securing  the  parlor 
door,  by  sticking  a  fork  over  the  latch,  carried  them 
to  her  chamber.  She  charged  the  negro  man  to 
sleep  with  his  clothes  on — to  take  the  great  cleaver 
to  bed  with  him,  and  to  wake  up  and  seize  the  va- 
grant at  the  first  noise  he  made  in  plundering  the 
house.  The  good  lady  then  retired  to  bed  with  her 
maid,  whom  she  compelled  to  sleep  in  the  same 
room. 

18.  After  a  very  restless  night,  Mrs.  Franklin 
rose  before  the  sun.  She  called  her  domestics^ 
proceeded  with  tlicni  in  a  body  to  unfasten  the  par- 


104  LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN. 

lor  dooi.  To  her  great  astonishment,  she  found  her 
guest  quietly  sleeping  in  his  chair.  She  now  hegan 
to  feel  sorry  for  her  suspicions.  Awaking  him  with 
a  cheerful  good  morning,  she  inquired  how  he  had 
rested,  and  invited  him  to  partake  of  her  breakfast, 
which  was  always  served  before  that  of  the  boarders. 

19.  "  Pray,  sir,"  said  the  old  lady,  as  they  were 
sipping  their  chocolate  at  the  breakfast  table,  "  as 
you  appear  to  be  a  stranger  here,  to  what  distant 
country  do  you  belong  V 

20.  Franklin  put  a  little  more  sugar  into  his 
chocolate,  and,  helping  himself  to  a  slice  of  toast, 
replied,  that  he  belonged  to  the  city  of  Philadelphia. 
At  the  mention  of  this  word,  the  old  lady,  for  the 
first  time,  exhibited  emotion.  "Philadelphia?" 
said  she — "  if  you  live  in  Philadelphia,  perhaps  you 
know  our  Ben  1" 

21.  "Who,  madam?"  replied  Franklin,  in  the 
same  cool  and  undisturbed  manner  that  he  had  put 
on  ever  since  he  entered  the  house.  "  Why,  Ben 
Franklin,"  said  the  mother  ;  "  my  Ben — oh  !  he  is 
the  dearest  child  that  ever  blessed  a  mother  !" 

22.  "  What,"  said  the  stranger,  "  is  Ben  Frank- 
lin, the  printer,  your  son  ?  Why,  he  is  my  most  inti- 
mate friend  :  he  and  I  lodge  in  the  same  room." 
"  O  !  Heaven  forgive  me!"  exclaimed  the  old  lady  ; 
"  and  have  I  suffered  an  acquaintance  of  my  Benny 
to  sleep  on  this  hard  chair,  while  I  myself  rested 
on  a  good  bed  !" 

23.  We  can  well  imagine  that  the  mother  was 


LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN.  105 

very  much  astonished  when  she  found  that  it  was 
not  an  acquaintance  of  her  son,  but  her  son  him- 
self, whose  countenance  and  person  had  been  so 
much  changed,  that  she  had  even  been  on  the  point 
of  turning  him  out  of  doors  !  She  was  delighted  to 
embrace  him  once  more  before  she  died,  and  was 
quite  pleased  that  the  members  of.  the  council  had 
found  him  so  agreeable  a  fellow  as  to  insist  that  he 
should  remain  all  night  in  the  house. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

Congress  at  Albany.  Plan  for  a  Union  of  the.  Colonies. 
Arrival  of  General  Braddock.  Franklin  sent  to  him 
by  the  Assembly.  Want  of  Wagons.  Franklin  un- 
dertakes to  procure  them.  His  Advertisement.  Anec- 
dote of  Braddock.     Battle  with  the  Indians.     Retreat. 

1.  In  1754,  there  was  again  a  prospect  of  war 
with  France.  A  congress  of  commissioners  from 
the  different  colonies  was  ordered  to  be  assembled 
at  Albany,  to  confer  with  the  chiefs  of  the  Six  Na- 
tions of  Indians,  in  respect  to  the  defence  of  the 
country.  The  governor  of  Pennsylvania  communi- 
cated this  order  to  the  assembly,  and  nominated 
Franklin,  with  Mr.  Norris,  Mr.  Penn,  and  Mr.  Pe- 
ters, to  act  as  commissioners.     Presents  were  pro- 

1.  Why  were  commissioners  from  the  colonies  ordered  to  as 
semble  at  Albany  ?     Who  were  sent  from  Pennsylvania'' 

E2 


LOG  LIFE  OF  FRAMKLIN. 

vided  for  the  Indians,  and  they  all  met  at  Albany 
about  the  middle  of  June. 

2.  On  his  way  thither,  Franklin  projected  and 
drew  up  a  plan  for  the  union  of  all  the  colonies  un- 
der one  government,  so  far  as  might  be  necessary 
for  defence  and  other  important  services.  This 
plan  was  shown  to  two  or  three  of  his  friends,  and, 
having  met  with  their  approbation,  was  submitted 
to  congress.  It  then  appeared  that  several  of  the 
commissioners  had  formed  projects  of  the  same  kind. 
A  committee  was  appointed  to  consider  the  several 
plans,  and  report.  That  proposed  by  Franklin  was 
finally  adopted  with  a  few  alterations :  copies  of  it 
were  sent  to  the  British  government  and  to  the  as- 
semblies of  the  several  provinces. 

3.  The  British  government  were  unwilling  to 
permit  the  union  proposed  at  Albany,  from  a  fear 
that  the  colonies  would  become  too  military  and  feel 
their  own  strength.  They  accordingly  sent  over 
General  Braddock,  with  two  regiments  of  regular 
English  troops,  for  the  purpose  of  protecting  them. 
This  officer,  with  his  forces,  landed  at  Alexandria, 
and  marched  thence  to  Fredericktown  in  Maryland, 
where  he  halted  for  carriages.  Franklin  was  sent 
by  the  assembly  to  wait  upon  him  at  this  place  in 
order  to  arrange  some  matters  which  had  occurred 
to  excite  serious  misunderstanding. 

2.  What  plan  did  Franklin  draw  up  ?  3.  Why  did  the  British 
government  disapprove  of  the  proposed  union  ?  What  course  did 
they  pursue  1     Why  was  Franklin  sent  to  Fredericktown  ? 


LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN.  10? 

4.  His  son  accompanied  him  upon  this  journey. 
They  found  the  general  at  Fredericktown,  waiting, 
impatiently,  for  the  return  of  those  whom  he  had 
sent  through  the  back  parts  of  Maryland  and  Vir- 
ginia to  collect  wagons.  Franklin  staid  with  him 
several  days,  dined  with  him  daily,  and  had  full 
opportunity  of  removing  his  prejudices.  When  he 
was  about  to  depart,  it  had  been  ascertained  that 
only  twenty-five  wagons  could  be  procured,  and  not 
all  of  them  fit  for  use. 

5.  The  general  and  all  the  officers  were  very 
much  surprised,  and  declared  that  the  expedition 
was  entirely  at  an  end.  They  exclaimed  bitterly 
against  their  government  for  sending  them  into  a 
country  destitute  of  the  means  of  carrying  then- 
stores  and  baggage,  for  which  no  less  than  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty  wagons  were  necessary.  Franklin 
remarked  that  it  was  a  pity  they  had  not  been  landed 
in  Pennsylvania,  as  in  that  country  almost  every 
farmer  had  his  wagon.  The  general  caught  at  his 
words,  and  eagerly  said — "  Then  you,  sir,  who  are 
a  man  of  interest  there,  can  possibly  procure  them 
for  us ;  and  I  beg  you  will  undertake  it." 

C.  Franklin  asked  what  terms  were  to  be  offered 
to  the  owners  of  the  wagons  ;  and  he  was  desired  to 
put  on  paper  the  terms  that  appeared  to  him  neces- 
sary.    This  he  did  ;  and  they  were  accepted.     He 

5.  What  impeded  the  progress  of  the  expedition  ?  How  d:d 
General  Braddock  obviate  this  difficulty  1  G.  What  step  did 
Franklin  lake  to  procure  the  wagons  1 


108  LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN. 

soon  after  published  an  advertisement,  offering  to 
contract  for  certain  wagons  and  horses,  on  specified 
terms ;  and  to  this  added  an  address  to  the  inhabit- 
ants of  the  counties  of  York,  Lancaster  and  Cum- 
berland.    The  address  was  in  the  following  words: 

7.  "  Friends  and  Countrymen, — Being  occasion- 
ally at  the  camp  at  Frederick,  a  few  days  since,  I 
found  the  general  and  officers  exceedingly  exasper- 
ated on  account  of  their  not  being  supplied  with 
horses  and  carriages,  which  had  been  expected  from 
this  province,  as  most  able  to  furnish  them ;  but, 
through  the  dissensions  between  our  governor  and 
assembly,  money  had  not  been  provided,  nor  any 
steps  taken  for  that  purpose. 

8.  "It  was  proposed  to  send  an  armed  force  in> 
mediately  into  these  counties,  to  seize  as  many  of 
the  best  carriages  and  horses  as  should  be  wanted, 
and  compel  as  many  persons  into  the  service,  as 
would  be  necessary  to  drive  and  take  care  of  them. 

***** 

9.  "If  you  are  really,  as  I  believe  you  are,  good 
and  loyal  subjects  to  his  majesty,  you  may  now  do 
a  most  acceptable  service,  and  make  it  easy  to  your- 
selves ;  for  three  or  four  of  such  as  cannot  separate- 
ly spare,  from  the  business  of  their  plantations,  a 
wagon  and  four  horses  and  a  driver,  may  do  it  to- 
gether ;  one  furnishing  the  wagon,  another  one  or 
two  horses,  and  another  the  driver,  and  divide  the 
pay  proportionably  between  you. 

10.  "But  if  you  do  not  this  service  to  your  king 


LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN,  100 

md  country  voluntarily,  when  such  good  pay  and 
'eason  able 'terms  are  offered  to  you,  your  loyalty  will 
be  strongly  suspected.  The  king's  business  must 
be  done.  So  many  brave  troops,  come  so  far  for 
your  defence,  must  not  stand  idle  through  your 
backwardness  to  do  what  may  be  reasonably  ex- 
pected from  you.  Wagons  and  horses  must  be  had  ; 
violent  measures  will  probably  be  used  ;  and  you 
will  be  left  to  seek  for  recompense  where  you  can 
find  it,  and  your  case,  perhaps,  be  little  pitied  or 
regarded. 

11.  "I  have  no  particular  interest  in  this  affair, 
as  (except  the  satisfaction  of  endeavoring  to  do  good) 
I  shall  have  only  my  labor  for  my  pains.  If  this 
method  of  obtaining  the  wagons  and  horses  is  not 
likely  to  succeed,  I  am  obliged  to  send  word  to  the 
general  in  fourteen  days ;  and  I  suppose  Sir  John 
St.  Clair,  the  hussar,  with  a  body  of  soldiers,  will 
immediately  enter  the  province  for  the  purpose; 
which  I  shall  be  very  sorry  to  hear,  because  I  am, 
very  sincerely  and  truly, 

"  Your  friend  and  well-wisher, 

"  B.  Franklin." 

12.  Eight  hundred  pounds  were  furnished  by  the 
general,  to  be  paid  out  as  advance  money  to  the  own- 
ers of  the  wagons  and  horses.  This  sum  not  being 
large  enough,  Franklin  advanced  upwards  of  two 

12.  How  much  was  furnished  by  the  British  general  to  be  paid 
in  advance  to  the  owners  of  the  wagons  and  horses  ?  How  much 
did  Franklin  furnish  ? 

10 


110  LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN. 

hundred  pounds  more.  In  two  weeks,  the  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty  wagons,  with  two  hundred  and  fifty- 
nine  carrying  horses,  were  on  their  way  to  the  camp. 
The  advertisement  promised  payment  in  case  any 
wagons  or  horses  should  be  lost ;  and  as  the  owners 
knew  nothing  about  the  dependence  to  be  placed 
on  General  Braddock,  they  insisted  on  Franklin's 
bond  for  the  performance.  This  he  accordingly 
gave  them. 

13.  General  Braddock  was  a  brave  man,  but  had 
too  much  self-confidence,  too  high  an  opinion  of  the 
power  of  regular  troops,  and  too  mean  an  idea  of 
both  Americans  and  Indians.  About  one  hundred 
Indians  joined  him  on  his  march,  who  might  have 
been  of  great  use  to  him  as  guides  and  scouts,  if  he 
had  treated  them  kindly.  He  neglected  and  slighted 
them,  however,  and  they  gradually  left  him. 

14.  In  conversation  one  day  with  Franklin,  he 
gave  an  account  of  his  intended  progress.  "  After 
taking  Fort  Duquesne,"  said  he,  "  I  am  to  proceed 
to  Niagara  ;  and,  having  taken  that,  to  Frontenac, 
if  the  season  will  allow  time,  and  I  suppose  it  will ; 
for  Duquesne  can  hardly  detain  me  above  three  or 
four  days  ;  and  then  I  see  nothing  that  can  obstruct 
my  march  to  Niagara." 

15.  Franklin  knew  something  about  marches 
through  the  woods,  and  the  tricks  of  the  Indians, 

13.  What  was  the  character  of  General  Braddock  ?  How  did 
he  treat  the  Indians  who  joined  him  on  his  march  ?  14.  What 
w  ere  th  5  general's  plans  ? 


LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN.  lil 

and  entertained  serious  doubts  in  respect  to  the 
success  of  the  campaign.  He  only  ventured,  how 
ever,  to  say — "  To  be  sure,  sir,  if  you  arrive  well 
before  Duquesne  with  the  fine  troops,  so  well  pro- 
vided with  artillery,  the  fort,  though  completely  for 
tified,  and  assisted  with  a  very  strong  garrison,  can 
proba  !>ly  make  but  a  short  resistance.  The  only 
danger  I  apprehend  of  obstruction  to  your  march,  is 
from  the  ambuscades  of  the  Indians,  who,  by  con- 
stant practice,  are  dexterous  in  laying  and  executing 
them ;  and  the  slender  line,  near  four  miles  long, 
which  your  army  must  make,  may  expose  it  to  be 
attacked  by  surprise  in  its  flanks,  and  to  be  cut  like 
a  thread  into  several  pieces,  which,  from  their  dis- 
tance, cannot  come  up  in  time  to  support  each 
other." 

1G.  Braddock  smiled  at  his  ignorance,  and  re- 
plied— "  These  savages  may,  indeed, be  a  formidable 
enemy  to  your  raw  American  militia;  but  upon  the 
king's  regular  and  disciplined  troops,  sir,  it  is  im- 
possible they  should  make  any  impression." 

17.  The  enemy  did  not  take  that  advantage  of 
the  army  under  Braddock  which  Franklin  antici- 
pated. They  suffered  it  to  approach  without  inter- 
ruption till  within  nine  miles  of  Fort  Duquesne. 
The  troops  had  just  crossed  a  river,  were  in  a  more 
open  part  of  the  woods  than  any  they  passed,  and 
moving  forward   in   a  compact   form.      Their  ad- 

15.  What  did  Franklin  tell  him  7  16.  What  was  Braddock's 
reply  7     17.  Where  were  the  British  troops  first  attacked  7 


112  LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN 

vanced  guard  was  suddenly  attacked  by  a  heavy 
fire  from  behind  trees  and  bushes.  This  was  the 
first  intelligence  which  the  general  had  of  the  ap- 
proach of  an  enemy. 

18.  The  guard  being  disordered,  the  general 
hurried  the  troops  up  to  their  assistance.  This  was? 
done  in  great  confusion,  through  wagons,  baggage 
and  cattle.  They  were  now  attacked  alsorfrom  be- 
hind. The  officers  were  on  horseback,  and  easily 
distinguished  and  picked  out  as  marks  by  the  ene- 
my. The  soldiers  were  thrown  together  in  great 
disorder,  having  or  hearing  no  orders,  and  standing 
to  be  shot  at,  till  two  thirds  of  them  were  killed ; 
then,  being  seized  with  a  panic,  the  remainder  fled 
in  precipitation. 

19.  The  wagoners  took  each  a  horse  out  of  his 
team,  and  scampered.  Their  example  was  imme- 
diately followed  by  others,  so  that  all  the  wagons, 
provisions,  artillery  and  stores  were  left  to  the  ene- 
my. The  general,  being  wounded,  was  brought  off 
with  difficulty  ;  out  of  eighty-six  officers,  sixty-three 
were  killed  or  wounded ;  and  seven  hundred  and 
fourteen  men  killed,  of  eleven  hundred. 

20.  These  men  had  been  picked  from  the  whole 
army  ;  the  rest  had  been  left  behind  with  Colonel 
Dunbar,  who  was  to  follow  with  the  heavier  parts 
of  the  baggage.  The  fugitives  arrived  at  Dunbar's 
camp,  and  communicated  their  own  panic  to  him 

13.  What  was  the  progress  of  the  battle  ?  19.  What  became 
•jf  the  -vagons  und  artillery?     20.  Where  did  the  fugitives  resort? 


LIFE  OF  FllAi>i\LIN.  li 

and  all  his  people.  Though  he  had  now  above  a 
thousand  men,  he  determined  not  to  meddle  with 
the  enemy,  but  to  make  the  best  of  his  way  to  the 
settlements.  Notwithstanding  requests  from  the 
governor  of  Virginia,  Maryland  and  Pennsylvania, 
that  he  would  post  his  troops  on  the  frontiers  to  pro- 
tect the  inhabitants,  he  continued  his  hasty  and  dis- 
graceful march  till  he  had  arrived  at  snug  quarters  in 
Philadelphia. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

Settlement  for  the  Loss  of  Wagons.  Anecdote.  Prepare/, 
tions  for  Defence.  Franklin  appointed  to  a  military 
Command.  Assembles  the  Troops  at  Bethlehem. 
Farmers  killed  ly  Indians.  Building  Forts.  Ex- 
tracts from  Franklin's  Journal.  Indian  Cunning. 
Anecdotes  of  the  Moravians. 

1.  As  soon  as  the  loss  of  the  wagons  and  horses 
was  generally  known,  all  the  owners  came  upon 
Franklin  for  the  valuation  which  he  had  given  bond 
to  pay.  Their  demands  troubled  him  exceedingly. 
He  informed  them  that  the  money  was  ready  in  the 
paymaster's  hands,  but  the  order  for  paying  it  must 
first  be  obtained  from  General  Shirley  ;  that  he  had 
applied  for  it ;  and  they  must  have  patience  till  he 


What  was  Colonel  Dunbar's  conduct  ? 
1.  To  what  embarrassment  was  Franklin  now  cxp^seil  1 
II)  * 


114  LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN 

could  receive  it.  All  t»his,  however,  was  not  suffi- 
cient, and  some  began  to  sue  him.  General  Shirley 
at  length  released  him  from  this  disagreeable  situa- 
tion, by  appointing  commissioners  to  examine  the 
claims,  and  order  payment.  They  amounted  to 
nearly  twenty  thousand  pounds. 

2.  Before  receiving  news  of  the  defeat,  two  gen 
tlemen  came  to  Franklin  with  a  subscription  paper 
for  raising  money  to  pay  the  expense  of  a  grand  fire- 
work, which  it  was  intended  to  exhibit  on  receiving 
the  news  of  taking  Fort  Duquesne.  Franklin  told 
them  gravely,  that  he  thought  it  would  be  time 
enough  to  prepare  for  rejoicing  when  they  knew 
they  should  have  occasion  to  rejoice.  They  seemed 
surprised  that  he  did  not  immediately  comply  with 
their  proposal.  "  Why,"  said  one  of  them,  "  you 
surely  do  not  suppose  that  the  fort  will  not  be  taken  V 
"  I  don't  know,"  replied  Franklin,  "  that  it  will  not 
be  taken ;  but  I  know  that  the  events  of  war  are 
subject  to  great  uncertainty."  The  plan  was  for- 
tunately abandoned. 

3.  The  assembly  now  laid  a  tax,  to  raise  money 
for  the  defence  of  the  province,  and  Franklin  was 
appointed  one  of  the  commissioners  to  dispose  of  it. 
He  had  also  carried  a  bill  through  the  house  for 
establishing  and  disciplining  a  voluntary  militia. 
To  promote  the  association  necessary  to  form  the 

How  was  he  relieved  ?  2.  Relate  the  anecdote  in  respect  to 
the  subscription  for  fire-works.  3.  What  tax  was  now  laid  by 
the  assembly  ?     What  bill  did  Franklin  cfvry  tl-voup'i  the  \ou  *  1 


LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN.  115 

militia,  he  wrote  a  dialogue  upon  the  subject,  which 
was  extensively  circulated,  and  thought  to  have 
great  effect. 

4.  While  tVe  several  companies  in  the  city  and 
country  were  forming,  and  learning  their  exercise, 
the  governor  prevailed  upon  Franklin  to  take  charge 
of  the  north-western  frontier,  which  was  infested  by 
the  enemy,  and  provide  for  the  defence  of  the  in- 
habitants, by  raising  troops,  and  building  a  line  of 
forts.  Franklin  did  not  think  himself  very  well 
qualified  for  the  military,  but  was  willing  to  be  of 
all  the  service  in  his  power.  He  received  a  com- 
mission from  the  governor,  with  full  authority,  and 
a  paroel  of  blank  commissions  for  officers,  to  be 
given  to  whom  he  thought  fit.  Five  hundred  and 
sixty  men  were  soon  raised  and  placed  under  his 
command. 

5.  The  place  first  selected  for  a  fort  was  Gnaden- 
hutten,  a  village  settled  by  the  Moravians,  and  which 
had  recently  been  the  scene  of  terrible  destruction 
and  death.  In  order  to  inarch  thither,  Franklin 
assembled  the  companies  at  Bethlehem,  the  chief 
establishment  of  those  people.  He  was  surprised 
to  find  this  place  in  a  good  state  of  defence.  The 
destruction  of  Gnadcnhutten  had  made  them  appre- 
hensive of  danger. 

6.  They  had  purchased  a  quantity  of  arms  and 

4.  What  charge  was  now  committed  to  Franklin  ?  TI.)\v  many 
men  were  placed  under  his  command  1  5.  What  place  was  se- 
lected for  a  fort  ?     Bv  whom  was  Gnadenhulten  settled  ? 


1 16  LIFE  OF  FilANKLlN. 

ammunition  from  New.  York,  and  had  even  placer, 
quantities  of  small  paving  stones  between  the  win- 
dows of  their  high  houses,  to  be  thrown  down  upon 
the  heads  of  any  Indians  that  should  attempt  to  force 
into  them.  The  armed  brethren  kept  watch,  and 
relieved  each  other  as  regularly  as  in  any  garrison 
town. 

7.  In  conversation  with  their  bishop,  Spangen- 
berg,  Franklin  mentioned  his  surprise  ;  for,  know- 
ing they  had  obtained  an  act  of  parliament  excusing 
them  from  military  duties  in  the  colonies,  he  sup- 
posed they  had  motives  of  conscience  which  forbade 
their  bearing  arms.  The  bishop  answered — "  That 
it  was  not  one  of  their  established  principles  ;  but 
that  at  the  time  of  their  obtaining  that  act  it  was 
thought  to  be  a  principle  with  many  of  their  people. 
On  this  occasion,  however,  to  their  surprise  they 
found  it  adopted  but  by  a  few.'^  A  strong  sense  of 
danger  very  soon  overcomes  such  notions. 

8.  It  was  the  beginning  of  January  when  they 
set  out  upon  the  business  of  building  forts.  One 
detachment  was  sent  towards  the  Minisink,  with 
directions  to  erect  one  for  the  upper  part  of  the 
jounfcry,  and  another  to  the  lower  part,  with  similar 
lirections.  Franklin  went  in  person,  with  the  re- 
aiaining  troops,  to  Gnadenhutten,  where  a  force  was 
nought  more  immediately  necessary.     The  Mora- 

6.  What  measures  had  the  inhabitants  of  Bethlehem  taken  for 
icfence  ?  7.  What  was  the  conversation  of  Franklin  with  (he 
rtishop  Spangenberg  ?     8.  Where  were  the  forts  built  ? 


LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN.  !  17 

vians  procured  him  five  wagons  for  their  tools,  stores 
and  baggage. 

9.  Just  before  they  left  Bethlehem,  eleven  farm- 
ers, who  had  been  driven  from  their  homes  by  the 
Indians,  came  to  Franklin,  requesting  a  supply  of 
fire-arms,  that  they  might  go  back  and  bring  off 
their  cattle.  He  gave  them  each  a  gun  with  suit- 
able ammunition. 

10.  They  had  not  marched  many  miles  when  it 
began  to  rain,  and  it  continued  raining  all  day. 
There  were  no  habitations  on  the  road  to  shelter 
them,  till  they  reached,  about  night,  the  house  of  a 
German.  Here,  in  the  barn  and  shed,  they  were 
all  huddled  together  as  wet  as  water  could  make 
them.  It  was  well  for  them  that  they  were  not  at- 
tacked upon  the  march,  for  their  arms  were  of  the 
poorest  sort,  and  it  was  impossible  to  keep  the  locks 
of  their  guns  dry.  The  poor  farmers,  before  men- 
tioned, suffered  on  this  account.  They  met  with 
the  Indians,  and,  the  primings  being  wet  with  rain, 
their  guns  would  not  go  off,  so  that  only  one  of  them 
escaped  with  his  life. 

11.  The  next  day  was  fair.  The  companies  con- 
tinued their  march,  and  arrived  at  the  desolate  Gna- 
denhutten.  There  was  a  mill  in  the  neighborhood, 
round  which  several  pine  boards  had  been  left. 
With  these  they  soon  built  themselves  huts.  Their 
next  work  was  to  bury  the  dead  they  found  there. 

9.  Relate  the  substance  of  the  ninth  and  tenth  paragraphs.  U. 
What  was  clone  on  arriving  at  Gnaclenhutteii  1 


118  LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN. 

On  the  following  morning  their  fort  was  planm  d 
and  marked  out,  with  a  circumference  measuring 
four  hundrea  and  fifty-five  feet.  Their  axes,  of 
which  they  had  seventy,  were  immediately  set  to 
work  to  cut  down  trees  for  palisades ;  and,  as  the 
men  were  very  skilful  in  the  use  of  them,  they  made 
great  despatch. 

12.  Seeing  the  trees  fall  so  fast,  Franklin  had 
the  curiosity  to  look  at  his  watch  when  two  men 
began  to  cut  at  a  pine.  In  six  minutes  they  had  it 
upon  the  ground,  and  it  was  fourteen  inches  in  di- 
ameter. Each  pine  made  three  palisades  of  eigh- 
teen feet  long,  pointed  at  one  end.  While  these 
were  preparing,  other  men  dug  a  trench  all  round, 
of  three  feet  deep,  in  which  the  palisades  were  to 
be  planted.  When  these  were  set  up,  the  carpenters 
built  within  them  a  platform  of  boards  all  round, 
about  six  feet  high,  for  the  men  to  stand  on  and  fire 
through  the  loopholes.  They  had  one  swivel  gun, 
which  they  mounted,  and  fired  as  soon  as  it  was 
fixed,  that  the  Indians  might  know  they  had  such 
pieces.  Thus  their  fort,  such  as  it  was,  was  finished 
in  a  week,  though  it  rained  so  hard  every  other  day 
that  the  men  were  almost  unable  to  work. 

13.  "This  gave  me  occasion  to  observe,"  says 
Franklin,  "  that  when  men  are  employed  they  are 
best  contented.     For  on  the  days  they  worked  they 

12.  How  was  the  fort  constructed  ?  How  long  did  it  take  to 
Duild  it  ?  13.  What  remarks  does  Franklin  make  about  keeping 
employed  ? 


LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN.  llll 

were  good-natured  and  cheerful,  and,  with  the  con 
sciousness  of  having  done  a  good  day's  work,  they 
spent  the  evening  jollily.  But,  on  our  idle  days, 
they  were  mutinous  and  quarrelsome,  finding  fault 
with  the  pork  and  the  bread,  and  were  continually 
in  bad  humor  ;  which  put  me  in  mind  of  a  sea  cap- 
tain, whose  rule  it  was  to  keep  his  men  constantly 
at  work;  and  when  his  mate  once  told  him  that 
they  had  done  every  thing,  and  there  was  nothing 
further  to  employ  them  about,  '  O,'  said  he,  '  make 
them  scour  the  anchor.'  " 

14.  "  This  kind  of  fort,"  he  continues,  "  however 
contemptible,  is  a  sufficient  defence  against  Indians 
who  have  no  cannon.  Finding  ourselves  now  posted 
securely,  and  having  a  place  to  retreat  to  on  occa- 
sion, we  ventured  out.  in  parties  to  scour  the  adja- 
cent country.  We  met  with  no  Indians,  but  we 
found  the  places,  on  the  neighboring  hills,  where 
they  had  lain  to  watch  our  proceedings.  There 
was  an  art  in  their  contrivance  of  those  places  that 
seems  worth  mentioning. 

15.  "  It  being  winter,  a  fire  was  necessary  for  them  ; 
but  a  common  fire,  on  the  surface  of  the  ground, 
would,  by  its  light,  have  discovered  their  position  at 
a  distance ;  they  had,  therefore,  dug  holes  in  the 
ground  about  three  feet  in  diameter,  and  somewhat 
deeper  ;  we  found  where  they  had,  with  their  hatch- 
ets, cut  off  the  charcoal  from  the  side  of  burnt  logs 

1  l.  What  docs  Franklin  say  of  the  fort  1  15.  How  did  they 
manage  to  conceal  their  fires  ? 


120  LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN. 

lying  in  the  woods.  With  these  coals  they  had 
made  small  fires  in  the  bottom  of  the  holes,  and  we 
observed,  among  the  weeds  and  grass,  the  prints  of 
their  bodies,  made  by  their  lying  all  round,  with  their 
legs  hanging  down  in  the  holes,  to  keep  their  feet 
warm ;  which,  with  them,  is  an  essential  point. 
This  kind  of  fire,  so  managed,  could  not  discover 
them  either  by  its  light,  flame,  sparks,  or  even 
smoke ;  it  appeared  that  the  number  was  not  great, 
and  it  seems  they  saw  we  were  too  many  to  be  at- 
tacked by  them  with  prospect  of  advantage. 

16.  "  We  had  for  our  chaplain  a  zealous  Presby- 
terian minister,  Mr.  Beatty,  who  complained  to  me 
that  the  men  did  not  generally  attend  his  prayers 
and  exhortations.  When  they  enlisted  they  were 
promised,  besides  pay  and  provisions,  a  gill  of  rum  a 
day,  which  was  punctually  served  out  to  them,  half 
in  the  morning  and  half  in  the  evening,  and  I  observ 
ed  they  were  punctual  in  attending  to  receive  it. 

17.  "  Upon  which  I  said  to  Mr.  Beatty,  '  It  is  per 
haps  belov;  the  dignity  of  your  profession  to  act  as 
steward  of  the  rum  ;  but  if  you  were  to  distribute  it 
out  only  just  after  prayers,  you  would  have  them  all 
about  you.'  He  liked  the  thought,  undertook  the 
task,  and,  with  the  help  of  a  few  hands  to  measure 
out  the  liquor,  executed  it  to  satisfaction  ;  and  never 
were  prayers  more  generally  and  more  punctually 
attended.  So  that  I  think  this  method  preferable 
to  the  punishment  inflicted  by  some  military  laws 
for  non-attendance  on  divine  service 


LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN.  12 J 

IS.  "  I  had  hardly  finished  this  business,  and  got 
my  fort  well  stored  with  provisions,  when  I  received 
a  letter  from  the  governor,  acquainting  me  that  he 
had  called  the  assembly,  and  wished  my  attendance 
there,  if  the  posture  of  affairs  on  the  frontiers  was 
such  that  my  remaining  there  was  no  longer  neces- 
sary. My  friends,  too,  of  the  assembly  pressing  me 
by  their  letters  to  be,  if  possible,  at  the  meeting, 
and  my  three  intended  forts  being  now  completed, 
and  the  inhabitants  contented  to  remain  on  their 
farms  under  that  protection,  I  resolved  to  return ; 
.he  more  willingly,  as  a  New-England  officer, 
Colonel  Clapham,  experienced  in  Indian  war,  be- 
ing on  a  visit  to  our  establishment,  consented  to 
accept  the  command. 

19.  "I  gave  him  a  commission,  and,  parading  the 
garrison,  had  it  read  before  them,  and  introduced 
him  to  them  as  an  officer,  who,  from  his  skill  in 
military  affairs,  was  much  more  fit  to  command 
them  than  myself;  and  giving  them  a  little  exhorta- 
tion, took  my  leave.  I  was  escorted  as  far  as  Beth- 
lehem, where  I  rested  a  few  days  to  recover  from 
the  fatigue  I  had  unueiirone.  The  first  night,  lying 
m  a  good  bed,  I  cou.d  hardly  sleep,  it  was  so  differ- 
ent from  my  hard  lodging  on  the  floor  of  a  hut  at 
juadenhutten,  with  only  a  blanket  or  two. 

20.  While  at  Bethlehem,  I  inquired  a  little  into 
ne  practices  of  the  Moravians;  some  of  them  had 


Franklin  leave  the  Curt  ?     Who  suecee( 

1  J  F 


122  LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN. 

accompanied  me,  and  all  were  very  kind  to  me.  J 
found  they  worked  for  a  common  stock,  ate  at  com- 
mon tables,  and  slept  in  common  dormitories,  great 
numbers  together.  In  the  dormitories  I  observed 
loop-holes  at  certain  distances,  all  along  just  under 
he  ceiling,  which  I  thought,  judiciously  placed  for 
hange  of  air.  I  went  to  their  church,  where  I  was 
entertained  with  good  music,  the  organ  being  ac- 
companied with  violins,  hautboys,  flutes,  and  clar- 
ionets. 

21.  "I  understood  their  sermons  were  not  usually 
preached  to  mixed  congregations  of  men,  women 
and  children,  as  is  our  common  practice  ;  but  that 
they  assembled  sometimes  the  married  men,  at  other 
times  their  wives,  then  the  young  men,  the  young 
women,  and  the  little  children ;  each  division  by 
itself.  The  sermon  I  heard  was  to  the  latter,  who 
came  in  and-  were  placed  in  rows  on  benches,  the 
boys  under  the  conduct  of  a  young  man,  their  tutor  ; 
and  the  girls  conducted  by  a  young  woman.  The 
discourse  seemed  well  adapted  to  their  capacities, 
and  was  delivered  in  a  pleasing,  familiar  manner, 
coaxing  them,  as  it  were,  to  be  good.  They  be- 
haved very  orderly,  but  looked  pale  and  unhealthy, 
which  made  me  suspect  they  were  kept  too  much 
within  doors,  or  not  allowed  sufficient  exercise. 

22.  "  I  inquired  concerning  the  Moravian  mar 

20.  What  does  Franklin  say  of  the  practice  of  the  Moravians  1 
Of  their  dormitories"  Of  their  church?  21.  What  is  said  of 
'.heir  congregation  1 


LIFE  P*:    ;-it4NKLIN.  121* 

riages,  whether  the  report  was  true  that  they  were 
by  lot  I  was  told  that  lots  were  used  only  in  par- 
ticular cases ,  that  generally,  when  a  young  man 
found  himself  disposed  io  marry,  he  informed  the 
elders  of  his  class,  who  consulted  the  elder  ladies 
that  governed  the  young  women.  As  these  elders 
of  the  different  sexes  were  well  acquainted  with  the 
tempers  and  dispositions  of  their  respective  pupils, 
they  could  best  judge  what  matches  were  suitable, 
and  their  judgments  were  generally  acquiesced  in. 
23.  "  But  if,  for  example,  it  should  happen  that 
two  or  three  young  women  were  found  to  be  equally 
proper  for  the  young  man,  the  lot  was  then  recurred  to. 
I  objected,  if  the  matches  are  not  made  by  the  mu- 
tual choice  of  the  parties,  some  of  them  may  chance 
to  be  very  unhappy.  '  And  so  they  may,'  answered 
my  informer,  '  if  you  let  the  parties  choose  for  them- 
selves.'    Which,  indeed,  I  could  not  deny." 

22.  How  are  the  Moravian  marriages  conducted  ?     23.  Wha 
did  Franklin  suggest  on  this  subject  ?     What  was  the  reply  ? 


124  LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 


Disputes  ivith  the  Proprietaries.  Franklin  sent  by  the 
Assembly  to  London.  Appointed  general  Agent  for 
the  Colonies.  University  Honors.  The  Armonica. 
Murder  of  the  friendly  Indians. 

1.  Soon  after  his  return  to  Philadelphia,  Frank- 
lin was  appointed  by  the  assembly  upon  a  very  im- 
portant mission.  From  the  earliest  establishment 
of  Pennsylvania,  there  seems  to  have  been  a  spirit 
of  dispute  among  its  inhabitants.  During  the  life- 
time of  William  Penn,  the  constitution  had  been 
three  times  altered.  After  this  time  quarrels  were 
continually  arising  between  the  proprietaries  or 
their  governors  and  the  assembly. 

2.  The  proprietaries  were  the  descendants  of 
those  to  whom  the  lands  were  originally  granted  by 
the  king.  They  claimed  particular  privileges  for 
their  estates ;  and  among  other  tilings  that  they 
should  be  free  from  taxes.  To  this  the  assembly 
would  by  no  means  consent.  This  subject  of  dis- 
pute interfered  in  almost  every  question,  and  pre- 
vented the  passage  of  the  most  necessary  laws. 

3.  The  assembly  at  length  resolved  to  appeal  to 
the  king  against  the  unjust  claims  of  the  proprie- 
taries, and  appointed  Franklin  as  their  agent,  to  go 

2.  Who  were  the  proprietaries  ?  What  did  they  claim  ?  How 
did  the  assembly  treat  their  claim  1  3.  What  course  did  the 
assembly  pursue  ? 


LIFE  OF    FRANKLIN.  125 

over  to  England  and  present  their  petition.  After 
some  delay  and  detention  by  the  governor,  under 
the  pretence  of  bringing  about  an  accommodation, 
Franklin  sailed  from  New  York  towards  the  end  of 
June,  and  arrived  in  London  on  the  twenty-seventh 
:>f  July,  1757. 

4.  According  to  the  instructions  which  he  had 
received  from  the  legislature,  Franklin  had  a  meet- 
ing with  the  proprietaries  who  then  resided  in  Eng- 
land, and  endeavored  to  prevail  on  them  to  give  up 
their  pretensions.  Finding  it  impossible  to  derive 
any  satisfaction  from  them,  he  laid  his  petition  be- 
fore the  council.  During  this  time,  the  governor 
of  Pennsylvania  had  consented  to  a  law  imposing  a 
tax,  in  which  no  distinction  was  made  in  favor  of 
the  estates  of  the  Penn  family. 

5.  Alarmed  at  this  intelligence,  and  by  Franklin's 
exertions,  they  used  their  utmost  endeavors  to  pre- 
vent this  law  from  receiving  the  royal  approbation. 
They  represented  it  as  highly  unjust,  designed  to 
throw  the  burden  of  supporting  government  upon 
them,  and  tending  to  produce  the  most  ruinous  con- 
sequences to  them  and  their  posterity. 

6.  The  cause  was  very  fully  examined  before  the 
king's  privy  council.     The  Penn  family  here  found 


Why  was  Franklin  sent  to  England  ?  When  did  he  arrive  in 
London  ?  4.  What  course  did  Franklin  pursue  in  respect  to  tne 
petition?  What  law  had  been  passed  in  Pennsylvania  1  •f).  How 
did  the  Penn  family  represent  tnis  law  ?  6  Where  was  the  cause 
examined  1 

I!  * 


126  LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN. 

some  very  earnest  advocates,  while  those  were  not 
wanting  ready  to  espouse  the  side  of  the  people. 
After  some  time  spent  in  debate,  a  proposal  was 
made  that  Franklin  should  solemnly  engage  that  the 
tax  should  be  so  made,  that  the  proprietary  estates 
should  pay  no  more  than  a  fair  proportion.  This 
he  agreed  to  perform,  and  the  Penn  family  withdrew 
their  opposition  to  the  passage  of  the  law. 

7.  After  this  business  was  thus  happily  concluded, 
Franklin  remained  at  the  court  of  Great  Britain,  as 
agent  for  the  province  of  Pennsylvania.  The  ex- 
tensive knowledge  which  he  possessed  of  the  situa- 
tion of  the  colonies,  and  the  regard  which  he  had 
always  shown  for  their  interests,  occasioned  his  ap- 
pointment to  the  same  office  by  the  colonies  of  Mas- 
sachusetts, Maryland  and  Georgia.  His  conduct 
in  this  situation  increased  the  reputation  and  esteem 
in  which  he  was  held  among  his  countrymen. 

S.  Franklin  was  now  in  the  midst  of  those  friends 
whom  he  had  acquired  by  his  fame  as  a  philosopher. 
He  was  very  much  sought  after  by  them.  Honors 
from  learned  societies  and  colleges  were  continually 
heaped  upon  him.  The  university  of  St.  Andrew's, 
in  Scotland,  conferred  on  him  the  degree  of  doctor 
of  laws.  Its  example  was  followed  by  the  univer- 
sities of  Edinburgh  and  Oxford.  His  correspond- 
ence was  sought  by  the  most  distinguished  philoso- 
phers of  Europe. 

How  was  it  settled  ?  7.  In  what  capacity  did  Franklin  remain 
in  London  after  the  conclusion  of  this  business  ?  8.  How  was 
Frar.klin  received  ?     What  honors  were  conferred  upon  him  ? 


LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN.  127 

9.  Although  Franklin  was  now  principally  occu- 
pied with  political  pursuits,  he  found  time  for  his 
favorite  studies.  He  extended  his  researches  in 
electricity,  and  m  other  interesting  subjects  of  nat- 
ural philosophy. 

10.  The  tone  produced  by  rubbing  the  brim  of  a 
drinking-glass  with  a  wet  finger  is  familiar  to  every 
one.  An  Irish  gentleman,  by  the  name  of  Pucker- 
idge,  by  placing  on  a  table  a  number  of  glasses  of 
different  sizes,  and  tuning  them  by  partly  filling 
them  with  water,  endeavored  to  form  an  instrument 
upon  which  he  could  play  tunes.  He  died  before 
he  had  completed  his  invention.  Some  improve- 
ments were  afterwards  made  upon  his  plan.  The 
sweetness  of  the  tones  induced  Franklin  to  try  a 
number  of  experiments,  and  he  at  length  formed  the 
instrument  which  he  has  called  the  Armonica 

11.  In  the  summer  of  1762  he  returned  to  Amer- 
ica. He  received  the  thanks  of  the  assembly  of 
Pennsylvania,  "  as  well  for  the  faithful  discharge  of 
his  duty  to  that  province  in  particular,  as  for  the 
many  and  important  services  done  to  America  in 
general,  during  his  residence  in  Great  Britain." 
A  compensation  of  five  thousand  pounds,  Pennsyl- 
vania currency,  was  decreed  him  for  his  services 
during  six  years. 

•J.  How  was  Franklin  chiefly  occupied  at  this  time  ?  10.  What 
was  the  musical  instrument  which  Franklin  formed  1  11.  Whea 
did  he  return  to  America  ?  How  was  he  received  by  the  assem 
aly  '.'      What  compensation  did  they  allow  him  ? 


128  LIFE  OF   FRANKLIN. 

2.  During  his  absence,  Franklin  had  been  an- 
nually elected  member  of  the  assembly.  On  hi? 
return  to  Philadelphia,  he  again  took  his  seat  in  that 
body,  and  continued  steadily  to  protect  the  rights 
and  interests  of  the  people. 

13.  In  December,  1762,  great  alarm  was  excited 
in  the  province  by  the  following  circumstance. 
Several  Indians  resided  in  the  county  of  Lancaster, 
who  had  always  conducted  themselves  as  friends  to 
the  white  men.  A  number  of  inhabitants  upon  the 
frontiers,  who  had  been  irritated  by  repeated  inju 
ries,  determined  to  seek  revenge  on  all  the  Indiana 
who  fell  in  their  way. 

14.  About  a  hundred  and  twenty  persons  assem 
bled,  and  proceeded  on  horseback  to  the  settlements 
of  the  defenceless  Indians.  These  were  now  re- 
duced in  number  to  about  twenty.  They  had 
received  information  of  the  intended  attack,  but  did 
not  believe  it.  As  the  white  people  had  always 
been  their  friends,  they  feared  no  danger  from  them. 
When  the  party  arrived  at  the  Indian  settlement, 
they  found  only  some  women  and  children  and  a 
few  old  men.  The  rest  were  absen  at  work.  The 
wretches  murdered  all  whom  they  found,  and  among 
others  the  chief  Shahehas,  who  had  been  always 
distinguished  for  his  friendship  to  the  whites. 

15.  The  remainder  of  these  unfortunate  Indians, 
who,  by  their  absence,  had  escaped  the  massacre, 

13.  What  alarm  was  excited  in  the  province  in  1762?  14.  Re- 
late the  substance  of  this  paragraph. 


LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN.  129 

were  conducted  to  Lancaster,  and  lodged  in  the  jail 
as  a  place  of  security.  Large  rewards  were  offered 
by  the  governor  for  the  discovery  of  the  murderers. 
But  notwithstanding  this,  a  party  of  the  same  men 
marched  to  Lancaster,  broke  open  the  jail,  and  in- 
humanly butchered  the  innocent  Indians  who  had 
been  placed  there  for  protection. 

16.  Another  proclamation  was  issued  by  the 
governor,  but  in  vain.  A  party  even  marched 
down  to  Philadelphia,  for  the  purpose  of  murdering 
some  friendly  Indians,  who  had  been  removed  to 
the  city  for  safety.  The  citizens  armed  to  protect 
them.  The  Quakers,  notwithstanding  they  are 
opposed  to  fighting  even  in  their  own  defence,  were 
most  active  upon  the  occasion.  The  rioters  ad- 
vanced to  Germantown,  and  the  governor  fled  for 
safety  to  the  house  of  Dr.  Franklin.  It  was  by  his 
assistance  and  influence  that  the  disturbance  was 
quelled,  and  the  rioters  prevailed  upon  to  return  to 
their  homes. 

15.  What  became  of  the  remaining-  Indians  1  16.  Was  the 
governor's  proclamation  of  any  effect  ?  How  were  the  rioters 
persuaded  to  return  home  ? 

F2 


130  LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN 


CHAPTER  XV. 

Franklin  reappointed  Agent  at  the  Court  of  Great 
Britain.  Visits  Germany  and  France.  Returns  to  ' 
Philadelphia.  Appointed  Delegate  to  Congress.  In 
terview  iviih  Lord  Howe.  Sent  as  Ambassador  to 
France.  Asks  to  be  recalled.  Chosen  President  of 
the  Supreme  Council  of  Philadelphia.  Death.  Char- 
acter. 

1.  Tiif,  disputes  between  the  proprietaries  and 
the  assembly,  which  had  for  a  long  time  subsided, 
again  revived.  At  the  election  for  a  new  assembly 
in  17G4,  the  friends  of  the  proprietaries  made  great 
exertions  to  keep  out  all  those  of  the  opposite  party 
They  obtained  a  small  majority  in  the  city  of  Phila 
delphia,  and  Franklin  lost  the  seat  which  he  had 
now  held  for  fourteen  years. 

2.  On  the  meeting  of  the  assembly,  it  appeared 
that  there  was  still  a  majority  of  Franklin's  friends. 
He  was  again  appointed  agent  of  the  provinces  at 
the  court  of  Great  Britain.  His  enemies  were  sadly 
vexed  at  this  appointment,  and  made  a  solemn  pro- 
test against  it,  which  they  wished  to  have  entered 
upon  the  journals.  This,  however,  was  refused, 
and  it  was  consequently  published  in  the  newspa- 
pers.    It  drew  from  him  a  spirited  reply. 

1.  How  did  Franklin  lose  his  seat  in  the  assembly  ?  2.  What 
Appointment  did  he  immediately  receive  ? 


LH'E  OF  FRANKLIN.  131 

3.  The  opposition  to  his  reappointment  seems  te 
have  greatly  affected  his  feelings,  as  it  came  from 
men  with  whom  he  had  long  been  connected,  both 
in  public  and  private  life.  In  his  last  publication, 
he  took  a  pathetic  leave  of  Pennsylvania.  "  I  am 
now,"  he  says,  "  to  take  leave  (perhaps  a  last  leave) 
of  the  country  I  love,  and  in  which  I  have  spent  the 
greatest  part  of  my  life.  Esto  perpetua  /*  I  wish 
every  kind  of  prosperity  to  my  friends,  and  I  forgive 
my  enemies." 

4.  During  his  residence  in  England,  he  consulted, 
with  unremitting  industry,  the  best  interests  of 
his  native  country.  He  was  every  where  received 
with  respect,  on  account  of  his  reputation  as  a 
writer  and  philosopher.  In  1766  he  made  a  visit  to 
Holland  and  Germany,  and  received  the  greatest 
marks  of  attention  from  men  of  science.  In  the 
following  year  he  travelled  into  France,  where  he 
was  received  with  much  kindness  and  favor.  He 
became  acquainted  with  a  number  of  literary  men, 
and  was  introduced  to  the  king,  Louis  XV. 

5.  Difficulties  had  now  commenced  between 
Great  Britain  and  her  provinces  in  America.  Frank- 
lin was  unwearied  in  his  efforts  to  bring  about  a 
reconciliation.     He  had  frequent   interviews   with 

o.  How  did  the  opposition  to  his  reappointment  affect  him  ?  4. 
What  was  his  reception  in  England  1  What  countries  did  he 
visit  in  17GG  ?  In  1767  ?  5.  What  were  Franklin's  efforts  to  bring 
ibout  a  recoiiciliation  between  Great  Britain  and  the  provinces  7 

*  May  it  exist  fur  ever  ! 


132  LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN. 

Lord  Howe  and  Lord  Chatham,  and  other  distin- 
guished English  statesmen,  who  entertained  for  hirr 
the  highest  respect  and  esteem.  Most  of  the  time 
daring  his  present  residence  in  England  was  occu- 
pied in  these  vain  efforts.  The  violent  conduct  of 
the  parent  state  drove  the  colonies  to  war,  and 
Franklin  returned  to  America  in  the  year  1775. 

6.  The  day  after  his  return  he  was  elected,  by  the 
legislature  of  Pennsylvania,  a  delegate  to  congress. 
Not  long  after  his  election,  a  committee  was  ap- 
pointed, consisting  of  Mr.  Lynch,  Mr.  Harrison  and 
himself,  to  visit  the  camp  at  Cambridge.  They 
here  united  their  efforts  with  those  of  the  commander 
in  chief,  to  convince  the  soldiers  of  the  necessity  of 
remaining  in  the  field,  and  persevering  in  the  cause 
of  their  country. 

7.  When  Lord  Howe  came  to  America  in  177G, 
with  powers  to  effect  an  accommodation  with  the 
colonists,  a  correspondence  on  the  subject  took  place 
between  him  and  Dr.  Franklin.  John  Adams, 
Edward  Rutledge  and  Dr.  Franklin  were  afterwards 
appointed  to  wait  upon  Lord  Howe,  and  learn  the 
extent  of  his  powers.  These  were  found  to  be  con- 
fined to  the  liberty  of  granting  pardons,  on  sub- 
mission. The  Americans,  at  that  time,  would  not 
thank  the  king  for  a  thousand  pardons,  and  the 

6.  What  appointment  did  he  receive  on  his  return  ?  What 
committee  was  chosen  to  visit  the  camp  at  Cambridge  ?  7.  Witn 
what  powers  was  Lord  Howe  invested  1  Who  were  appointed 
to  wail  on  him  1 


LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN.  133 

interview  terminated  without  effecting  any   thing 
towards  a  reconciliation. 

8.  Dr.  Franklin  was  an  earnest  advocate  for  the 
entire  seoaration  of  the  colonies  from  Great  Britain, 
and  his  writings  upon  the  subject  had  great  influ- 
ence on  the  public  mind.  In  1776,  he  was  presi- 
dent of  a  convention,  which  assembled  for  the  pur- 
pose of  establishing  a  new  form  of  government  for 
the  state  of  Pennsylvania.  In  the  latter  part  of  this 
year,  he  was  appointed  to  assist  Mr.  Silas  Deane  in 
managing  the  affairs  of  the  colonies  at  the  court  of 
France. 

9.  No  one  could  have  rendered  more  service  to 
the  United  States,  in  this  situation,  than  Dr.  Frank- 
lin. His  character  was  much  honored  in  France, 
and  as  a  philosopher  he  was  held  in  very  high 
esteem.  He  was  received  with  respect  by  all  the 
celebrated  literary  men  of  the  day  ;  and  this  respect 
naturally  extended  itself  to  all  classes.  His  political 
negotiations  were  of  the  greatest  importance  to  his 
native  country. 

10.  When  the  independence  of  the  United  States 
was  acknowledged  by  Great  Britain,  Franklin  be- 
came desirous  of  returning  home.  The  infirmities 
of  age  and  disease  had  fallen  upon  him,  and  the 
situation  of  his  country  rendered  his  services  no 
longer   indispensably   necessary.      He    applied   to 

8.  Of  what  convention  was  Franklin  the  president  in  1776  1  To 
what  office  was  he  appointed  1  9.  How  was  he  esteemed  in 
France  ?     How  were  his  political  negotiations  ? 

12 


134  LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN. 

congress  to  be  recalled,  and  Mr.  Jefferson  was  ap- 
pointed to  succeed  him  in  1785.  In  Septembei  of 
the  same  year,  Franklin  arrived  in  Philadelphia. 
He  was  shortly  after  chosen  a  member  of  the  su- 
preme council  for  the  city,  and  was  soon  elected 
president  of  the  same  body. 

11.  For  the  next  three  years  Franklin  still  de- 
voted himself  to  public  business,  and  to  his  political 
and  philosophical  studies.  He  retained  his  desire 
of  being  useful  to  the  last  of  his  life.  In  1788,  his 
increasing  infirmities  compelled  him  to  retire  from 
public  office.  His  complaints  continued,  and  he 
suffered  very  severely  from  his  sickness.  He  still, 
however,  remained  good-natured  and  cheerful,  was 
perfectly  resigned  to  his  situation,  acknowledging 
the  justice  and  kindness  of  that  Being  who  had  seen 
fit  that  he  should  be  thus  afflicted. 

12.  On  the  17th  of  April,  1790,  about  eleven 
o'clock  at  night,  Dr.  Franklin  quietly  expired.  He 
had  reached  an  honored  and  a  happy  old  age.  From 
small  beginnings,  by  a  uniform  course  of  prudence 
and  honesty,  he  had  raised  himself  to  high  station, 
wealth  and  distinction. 

13.  In  considering  the  character  of  Franklin,  w 
perceive  that  the  most  marked  trait  was  his  habi, 
of  economy.     By  economy  we  do  not  mean  merely 

10.  When  did  Franklin  return  to  Philadelphia:?  What  honor 
was  immediately  conferred  on  him  ?  11.  When  did  he  retire  from 
public  office  ?  On  what  account  ?  12.  When  did  Dr.  Franklin 
die  ?  13.  What  was  the  marked  trait  in  Franklin's  character  ? 
14.  What  other  traits  were  conspicuous  1 


LIFE  OF  FRANKLIN,  135 

care  in  gaining  and  keeping  of  his  money.  We 
mean  care  of  time,  of  labor;  frugality,  industry, 
system,  method  in  all  his  business.  To  this  we  may 
add  economy  of  his  health  ;  avoiding  all  excess  and 
unnecessary  exposure. 

14.  His  cheerfulness  and  good  nature  were  also 
remarkable.  He  was  ever  happy  and  entertaining 
His  anecdotes  and  jests  were  always  to  the  point, 
and  his  manner  of  conversing  and  writing  was  at 
once  pleasing  and  effective. 

15.  For  his  public  services  his  country  owes  him  her 
respect  and  gratitude ;  while  his  philosophical  discov- 
eries have  excited  the  admiration  of  the  world.  His 
name  will  live  with  the  names  of  the  few  great  men 
who  have  conferred  enduring  benefits  on  mankind. 
The  following  epitaph  on  himself  was  written  by 
him  many  years  previous  to  his  death : 

The  Body 

of 

Benjamin    Franklin, 

Printer, 

[like  the  cover  of  an  old  book, 

its  contents  torn  out, 

and  stript  of  its  lettering  and  gilding,] 

lies  here  food  for  worms  ; 

yet  the  work  itself  shall  not  be  lost, 

for  it  will  (as  he  believed)  appear  once  more 

in  a  new 

and  more  beautiful  edition, 

corrected  and  amended 

by 

The  Author, 


ESSAYS    OF    DR.   FRANKLIN 


We  are  acquainted  with  no  writer  who  inculcates  essons 
of  practical  wisdom  in  a  more  agreeable  and  popular 
manner  than  Dr.  Franklin.  His  writings  abound  with 
infinite  good  sense,  and  a  singular  shrewdness  not  at  all 
inconsistent  with  the  highest  integrity  and  purity.  We 
have  selected  a  few  of  his  lighter  essays  as  a  sequel  to 
the  Biography;  desirable,  both  as  displaying  somewhat 
of  the  character  of  their  author,  and  conveying  common 
sense  maxims  likely  to  be  of  much  service  to  the  young 

THE   WHISTLE. 
A  True  Story — Written  to  his  Nephew. 

When  I  was  a  child,  at  seven  years  old,  my 
friends,  on  a  holyday,  filled  my  pockets  with  cop- 
pers. I  went,  directly  to  a  shop  where  they  sold 
toys  for  children ;  and  being  charmed  with  the 
sound  of  a  whistle,  that  I  met  by  the  way  in  the 
hands  of  another  boy,  I  voluntarily  offered  him  all 
my  money  for  one.  I  then  came  home,  and  went 
whistling  all  over  the  house,  much  pleased  with  my 


FRANKLIN'S  WORKS.  137 

whistle,  but  disturbing  all  the  family.  My  broth- 
ers, and  sisters,  and  cousins,  understanding  the 
bargain  I  had  made,  told  me  I  had  given  four  times 
as  much  for  it  as  it  was  worth.  This  put  me  in 
mind  what  good  things  I  might  have  bought  with 
the  rest  of  the  money ;  and  they  laughed  at  me  so 
much  for  my  folly,  that  I  cried  with  vexation ;  and 
the  reflection  gave  me  more  chagrin  than  the  ivhis- 
tle  gave  me  pleasure. 

This,  however,  was  afterwards  of  use  to  me,  the 
impression  continuing  on  my  mind ;  so  that  often, 
when  I  was  tempted  to  buy  some  unnecessary 
hing,  I  said  to  myself,  Don't  give  too  much  for 
t-he  ivhistle ;  and  so  I  saved  my  money. 

4.s  I  grew  up,  came  into  the  world,  and  observed 
thp  actions  of  men,  I  thought  I  met  with  many, 
very  many,  who  gave  too  much  for  their  whistle. 

When  I  saw  any  one  too  ambitious  of  court  fa- 
vor, sacrificing  his  time  in  attendance  on  levees, 
his  repose,  his  liberty,  his  virtue,  and  perhaps  his 
friends,  to  attain  it,  I  have  said  to  myself,  This  man 
{fives  too  much  for  his  whistle. 

When  I  saw  another  fond  of  popularity,  constant- 
ly employing  himself  in  political  bustles,  neglecting 
his  own  affairs,  and  ruining  them  by  that  neglect, 
He  pays,  indeed,  says  I,  too  much  for  his  whistle. 

If  I  knew  a  miser,  who  gave  up  every  kind  of 
comfortable  living,  all  the  pleasure  of  doing  good  to 
others,  all  the  esteem  of  his  fellow  citizens,  and  the 
joys  of  benevolent  friendship,  for  the  sake  of  accu- 


138  FRANKLIN'S  WORKS. 

mulating  wealth,  Poor  man,  says  I,  you  do  indeei 
pay  too  much  for  your  whistle. 

When  I  meet  a  man  of  pleasure,  sacrificing 
every  laudable  improvement  of  the  mind,  or  of  his 
fortune,  to  mere  corporeal  sensations,  Mistaken 
man,  says  I,  you  are  providing  pain  for  yourself 
instead  of  pleasure  ;  you  give  too  much  for  your 
whistle. 

If  I  see  one  fond  of  fine  clothes,  fine  furniture, 
fine  equipages,  all  above  his  fortune,  for  which  he 
contracts  debts,  and  ends  his  career  in  prison, 
Alas,  says  I,  he  has  paid  dear,  very  dear,  for  his 
whistle. 

When  I  see  a  beautiful,  sweet-tempered  girl, 
married  to  an  ill-natured  brute  of  a  husband,  What 
a  pity  it  is,  says  I,  that  she  has  paid  so  much  for 
a  lohistle  ! 

In  short,  I  conceived  that  great  part  of  the  mise- 
ries of  mankind  were  brought  upon  them  by  the 
false  estimates  they  had  made  of  the  value  of  things, 
and  by  their  giving  too  much  for  their  tohistles. 


HANDSOME  AND  DEFORMED  LEG. 

There  are  two  sorts  of  people  in  the  world,  who 
with  equal  degrees  of  health  and  wealth,  an**  ?he 


FRANKLEM'S  WORKS.  1:39 

other  comforts  of  life,  become,  the  one  happy,  and 
the  other  miserable  This  arises  very  much  from 
the  different  views  in  which  they  consider  things, 
persons,  and  events ;  and  the  effect  of  those  differ- 
ent views  upon  their  own  minds. 

In  whatever  situation  men  can  be  placed,  they 
may  find  conveniences  and  inconveniences :  in 
whatever  company,  they  may  find  persons  and  con« 
versation  more  or  less  pleasing :  at  whatever  table, 
they  may  meet  with  meats  and  drinks  of  better  and 
worse  taste,  dishes  better  and  worse  dressed :  in 
whatever  climate,  they  will  find  good  and  bad 
weather :  under  whatever  government,  they  may 
find  good  and  bad  laws,  and  good  and  bad  adminis- 
tration of  those  laws :  in  whatever  poem,  or  work 
of  genius,  they  may  see  faults  and  beauties :  in 
almost  every  face,  and  every  person,  they  may  dis- 
cover fine  features  and  defects,  good  and  bad  qual- 
ities. 

Under  these  circumstances,  the  two  sorts  of  peo- 
ple above  mentioned  fix  their  attention  ;  those  who 
are  disposed  to  be  happy,  on  the  conveniences  of 
things,  the  pleasant  parts  of  conversation,  the  well- 
dressed  dishes,  the  goodness  of  the  wines,  the  fine 
weather,  &c,  and  enjoy  all  with  cheerfulness. 
Those  who  are  to  be  unhappy,  think  and  speak 
only  of  the  contrarieties.  Hence  they  are  contin- 
ually discontented  themselves,  and,  by  their  remarks, 
sour  the  pleasures  of  society ;  offend  personally 
many  people,  and    make   themselves  every    where 


140  FRANKLI1VS  WORKS. 

disagreeable.  If  this  turn  of  mind  was  founded 
in  nature,  such  unhappy  persons  would  be  the 
more  to  be  pitied.  But  as  the  disposition  to 
criticise,  and  to  be  disgusted,  is,  perhaps,  taken 
up  originally  by  imitation,  and  is,  unawares,  grown 
into  a  habit,  which,  though  at  present  strong,  may, 
nevertheless,  be  cured,  when  those  who  have  it 
are  convinced  of  its  bad  effect  on  their  felicity ;  I 
hope  this  little  admonition  may  be  of  service  to 
them,  and  put  them  on  changing  a  habit  which, 
though  in  the  exercise  it  is  chiefly  an  act  of  imagi- 
nation, yet  has  serious  consequences  in  life,  as  it 
brings  on  real  griefs  and  misfortunes.  For,  as 
many  are  offended  by,  and  nobody  loves,  this  sort 
of  people,  no  one  shows  them  more  than  the  most 
common  civility  and  respect,  and  scarcely  that , 
and  this  frequently  puts  them  out  of  humor,  and 
draws  them  into  disputes  and  contentions.  If  they 
aim  at  obtaining  some  advantage  in  rank  or  for- 
tune, nobody  wishes  them  success,  or  will  stir  a  step 
or  speak  a  word  to  favor  their  pretensions.  If  they 
incur  public  censure  or  disgrace,  no  one  will  de- 
fend or  excuse,  and  many  join  to  aggravate  then 
misconduct,  and  render  them  completely  odious 
f  these  people  will  not  change  this  bad  habit,  ana 
condescend  to  be  pleased  with  what  is  pleasing 
without,  fretting  themselves  or  others  about  the  con 
trarieties,  it  is  good  for  others  to  avoid  an  acquaint- 
ance with  them,  which  is  always  disagreeable,  and 


FRANKLIN'S  WORKS.  141 

sometimes  very  inconvenient,  especially  when  one 
finds  one's  self  entangled  in  their  quarrels. 

An  old  philosophical  friend  of  mine  was  grown, 
from  experience,  very  cautious  in  this  particular, 
and  carefully  avoided  any  intimacy  with  such 
people.  He  had,  like  other  philosophers,  a  ther- 
mometer to  show  him  the  heat  of  the  weather  ;  and 
a  harometer  to  mark  when  it  was  likely  to  prove 
good  or  bad ;  but  there  being  no  instrument  invent- 
ed to  discover,  at  first  sight,  this  unpleasing  dis- 
position in  a  person,  he,  for  that  purpose,  made  use 
of  his  legs ;  one  of  which  was  remarkably  hand- 
some ;  the  other,  by  some  accident,  crooked  and 
deformed.  If  a  stranger,  at  first  interview,  regard- 
ed his  ugly  leg  more  than  his  handsome  one,  he 
doubted  him.  If  he  spoke  of  it,  and  took  no  notice 
of  the  handsome  leg,  that  was  sufficient  to  deter- 
mine my  philosopher  to  have  no  further  acquaint- 
ance with  him.  Every  body  has  not  this  two- 
legged  instrument;  but  every  one,  with  a  little 
attention,  may  observe  signs  of  that  carping,  fault- 
finding disposition,  and  take  the  same  resolution  of 
avoiding  the  acquaintance  of  those  infected  with  it 
I  therefore  advise  those  critical,  querulous,  dis- 
contented, unhappy  people,  if  they  wish  to  be  re- 
spected and  beloved  by  others,  and  happy  in  them- 
selves, they  should  leave  off  looking  at  the  ugly  leg. 


142  FRANKLIN'S  WORKS. 

ADVICE  TO  A  YOUNG   TRADESMAN, 

Written  Anno  1748. 

TO  MY  FRIEND,  A.  B 

As  you  have  desired  it  of  me,  I  write  the  following 
hints,  which  have  been  of  service  to  me,  and  may, 
if  observed,  be  so  to  you. 

Remember  that  time  is  money.  He  that  can 
earn  ten  shillings  a  day  by  his  labor,  and  goes 
abroad,  or  sits  idle  one  half  of  that  day,  though  he 
spends  but  six  pence  during  his  diversion  or  idle- 
ness, ought  not  to  reckon  that  the  only  expense ; 
he  has  really  spent,  or  rather  thrown  away,  five 
shdlings  besides. 

Remember  that  credit  is  money.  If  a  man  lets 
his  money  lie  in  my  hands  after  it  is  due,  he  gives 
me  the  interest,  or  so  much  as  I  can  make  of  it 
during  that  time.  This  amounts  to  a  considerable 
sum  where  a  man  has  good  and  large  credit,  and 
makes  good  use  of  it. 

Remember  that  money  is  of  a  prolific,  generating 
nature.  Money  can  beget  money  and  its  offspring 
can  beget  more,  and  so  on.  Five  shillings  turned 
is  six  ,  turned  again  is  seven  and  three  pence ;  and 
bo  on  till  it  becomes  a  hundred  pounds.  The 
more    there    is  of   it,  the   more   it  produces  every 


FRANKLIN'S  WORKS.  J 43 

turning,  so  that  the  profits  rise  quicker  and  quicker 
He  that  kills  a  breeding  sow,  destroys  all  liei 
offspring  to  the  thousandth  generation.  He  that 
murders  a  crown,  destroys  all  that  it  might  have 
produced,  even  scores  of  pounds. 

Remember  that  six  pounds  a  year  is  but  a  groat 
a  day.  For  this  little  sum  (which  may  be  daily 
wasted  either  in  time  or  expense,  unperceived),  a 
man  of  credit  may,  on  his  own  security,  have  the 
constant  possession  and  use  of  a  hundred  pounds. 
So  much  in  stock,  briskly  turned  by  an  industrious 
man,  produces  great  advantage. 

Remember  this  saying,  "  The  good  paymaster 
is  lord  of  another  man's  purse."  He  that  is  known 
to  pay  punctually  and  exactly  to  the  time  he 
promises,  may  at  any  time,  and  on  any  occasion, 
raise  all  the  money  his  friends  can  spare.  This 
is  sometimes  of  great  use.  After  industry  and 
frugality,  nothing  contributes  more  to  the  raising 
of  a  young  man  in  the  world,  than  punctuality  and 
justice  in  all  his  dealings  :  therefore  never  keep 
borrowed  money  an  hour  beyond  the  time  you 
promised,  lest  a  disappointment  shut  up  your 
friend's  purse  for  ever. 

The  most  trifling  actions  that  affect  a  man's 
credit  are  to  be  regarded.  The  sound  of  your 
hammer  at  five  in  the  morning,  or  nine  at  night, 
heard  by  a  creditor,  makes  him  easy  six  months 
longer ;  but  if  he  sees  you  at  a  billiard-table,  or 
hears  your  voice  at  a  tavern,  when   you  should  be 


144  FRANKLIN'S  WORKS. 

at  work,  he  sends  for    his    money  the  next  day  ; 
demands  it  before  he  can  receive  it  in  a  lump. 

It  shows,  besides,  that  you  are  mindful  of  what 
you  owe  ;  it  makes  you  appear  a  careful  as  well 
as  an  honest  man,  and  that  still  increases  your 
credit. 

Beware  of  thinking  all  your  own  that  you  pos- 
sess, and  of  living  accordingly.  It  is  a  mistake 
that  many  people  who  have  credit  fall  into.  To 
prevent  this,  keep  an  exact  account,  for  some  time, 
both  of  your  expenses  and  your  income.  If  you 
..ike  the  pains  at  first  to  mention  particulars,  it 
will  have  this  good  effect ;  you  will  discover  how 
wonderfully  small,  trifling  expenses  mount  up 
to  large  sums,  and  will  discern  what  might  have 
been,  and  may  for  the  future  be  saved,  without 
occasioning  any  great  inconvenience. 

In  short,  the  way  to  wealth,  if  you  desire  it,  is 
as  plain  as  the  way  to  market.  It  depends  chiefly 
on  two  words,  industry  and  frugality;  that  is, 
waste  neither  time  nor  money,  but  make  the  best 
use  of  both.  Without  industry  and  frugality  noth- 
ing will  do,  and  with  them  every  thing.  He  that 
gets  all  he  can  honestly,  and  saves  all  he  gets 
(necessary  expenses  excepted),  will  certainly  be- 
come rich — if  that  Being,  who  governs  the  world, 
to  whom  all  should  look  for  a  blessing  on  their 
honest  endeavors,  doth  not,  in  his  wise  providence, 
otherwise  determine. 

AN   OLD    TRADESMAN. 


t  RAN  KLIN'S  WORKS.  145 


NECESSARY   HINTS   TO     THOSE   THAT 
WOULD   BE  RICH. 

Written  Anno  1786. 

The  use  of  money  is  all  the  advantage  there  is 
in  having  money. 

For  six  pounds  a  year  you  may  have  the  use  of 
one  hundred  pounds,  provided  you  are  a  man  of 
known  prudence  and  honesty. 

He  that  spends  a  groat  a  day  idly,  spends  idly 
above  six  pounds  a  year,  which  is  the  price  for  the 
use  of  one  hundred  pounds. 

He  that  wastes  idly  a  groat's  worth  of  his  time 
per  day,  one  day  with  another,  wastes  the  privilege 
of  using  one  hundred  pounds  each  year. 

He  that  idly  loses  five  shillings  worth  of  time, 
loses  five  shillings,  and  might  as  prudently  throw 
five  shillings  into  the  sea. 

He  that  loses  five  shillings,  not  only  loses  that 
sum,  but  all  the  advantages  that  might  be  made  by 
turning  it  in  dealing;  which,  by  the  time  that  a 
young  man  becomes  old,  will  amount  to  a  con- 
siderable sum  of  money. 

Again;  he  that  sells  upon  credit,  asks  a  price  for 
what  he  sells  equivalent  to  the  principal  and  inter- 
est of  his  money  for  the  time  he  is  to  be  kept  out  of 
it;  therefore,  he  that  buys  upon  credit,  pays  inter- 
est   for    what  he  buys;    and    he  that   pays   ready 

G 


1 .115  FRANKLIN'S  WORKS. 

money,  might  let  that  money  out  to  use ;  so  tl  at 
he  that  possesses  any  thing  he  has  bought,  pays 
interest  for  the  use  of  it. 

Yet,  in  buying  goods,  it  is  best  to  pay  ready 
money,  because,  he  that  sells  upon  credit,  expects 
to  lose  five  per  cent,  by  bad  debts ;  therefore  he 
charges,  on  all  he  sells  upon  credit,  an  advance 
that  shall  make  up  that  deficiency. 

Those  who  pay  for  what  they  buy  upon  credit, 
pay  their  share  of  this  advance. 

He  that  pays  ready  money,  escapes,  or  may 
escape,  that  charge. 

A  penny  saved  is  twopence  clear 5 
A  pin  a  day's  a  groat  a  year. 


PAPER. 


Some  wits  of  old, — such  wits  of  old  there  were, — 
Whose  hints  showed  meaning,  whose  allusions  care, 
By  one  brave  stroke  to  mark  all  human  kind, 
Called  clear  blank  paper  every  infant  mind  ; 
When  still,  as  opening  sense  her  dictates  wrote, 
Fair  Virtue  put  a  seal,  or  Vice  a  blot. 


FRANKLINS  WORKS.  147 

The  thought  was  happy,  pertinent  and  true  ; 
Mcthinks  a  genius  might  the  plan  pursue. 
I  (can  you  pardon  my  presumption  '?)  I — 
No  wit,  no  genius,  yet  for  once  will  try. 

Various  the  papers  various  wants  produce, 
The  wants  of  fashion,  elegance  and  use. 
Men  are  as  various;   and  if  right  I  scan, 
Each  sort  of  paper  represents  some  man. 

Pray  note  the  fop — half  powder  and  half  lace — 
Nice  as  a  band-box  were  his  dwelling-place  : 
tie's  the  gilt-paper,  which  apart  you  store, 
And  lock  from  vulgar  hands  in  the  'scrutoire 

Mechanics,  servants,  farmers,  and  so  forth, 
Are  copy-paper,  of  inferior  worth  ; 
Less  prized,  more  useful,  for  your  desk  decreed 
Free  to  all  pens,  and  prompt  at  every  need. 

The  wretch  whom  av'rice  bids  to  pinch  and  spare, 
Starve,  cheat,  and  pilfer,  to  enrich  an  heir, 
Is  coarse  brown-paper ;  such  as  pedlers  choose 
To  wrap  up  wares,  which  better  men  will  use. 

Take  next  the  miser's  contrast,  who  destroys 
Health,  fame,  and  fortune,  in  a  round  of  joys. 
Will  any  paper  match  him  1     Yes,  throughout 
He's  a  true  sinking-paper,  past  all  doubt. 


i4S  FRANKLIN'S  WORKS. 

The  retail  politician's  anxious  thought 
Deems  this  side  always  right,  and  that  stant  naught , 
He  foams  with  censure ;  with  applause  he  raves— 
A.  dupe  to  rumors,  and  a  tool  of  knaves ; 
He'll  want  no  type  his  weakness  to  proclaim, 
While  such  a  thing  as  fools-cap  has  a  name. 

The  hasty  gentleman,  whose  blood  runs  high, 
Who  picks  a  quarrel  if  you  step  awry, 
Who  can't  a  jest,  or  hint,  or  look,  endure  : 
What's  he  1     What  ?      Touch-paper, — to   be  sure. 

What  are  our  poets,  take  them  as  they  fall, 
Good,  bad,  rich,  poor,  much  read,  not  read  at-all  ? 
Them  and  their  works  in  the  same  oJ ass  you'll  find 
They  are  the  mere  waste-paper  ci  mankind. 

Observe  the  maiden,  innocenl'/  oveet ; 
She's  fair  white-paper,  an  unsu'./Vi  sheet; 
On  which  the  happy  man,  whori  i'ate  ordains. 
May  write  his  name,  and  take  rer  for  his  pains. 

One  instance  more,  and  oaly  one  I'll  bring; 
'Tis  the  great  man  who  scorns  a  little  thing, 
Whose  thoughts,  whose   deeds^  whose  maxims  are 

his  own, 
Formed  on  the  feelings  of  his  heart  <*'ims  • 
True,  genuine  royal-papa  h  ub  brcarft, 
Of  all  the  kinds  most  pxec:eu3;  puren  bes± 


FRANKLIN'S  WORKS.  I  19 


ON  THE  ART  OF  SWIMMING. 

In  Answer  to  some  Inquiries  of  M.  Dubourg*  on  the 

Subject. 

I  am  apprehensive  that  I  shall  not  be  able  to  find 
leisure  for  making  all  the  disquisitions  and  exper- 
iments which  would  be  desirable  on  this  subject. 
I  must,  therefore,  content  myself  with  a  few 
remarks. 

The  specific  gravity  of  some  human  bodies,  in 
comparison  to  that  of  water,  has  been  examined  by 
M.  Robinson,  in  our  Philosophical  Transactions, 
volume  50,  page  30,  for  the  year  1757.  He  asserts, 
that  fat  persons,  with  small  bones,  float  most  easily 
upon  water. 

The  diving  bell  is  accurately  described  in  our 
Transactions. 

When  I  was  a  boy,  I  made  two  oval  pallets,  each 
about  ten  inches  long,  and  six  broad,  with  a  hole 
for  the  thumb,  in  order  to  retain  it  fast  in  the  palm 
of  my  hand.  They  much  resembled  a  painter's  pal- 
lets. In  swimming,  I  pushed  the  edges  of  these 
forward,  and  I  struck  the  water  with  their  flat  sur- 
faces as  I  drew  them  back :  I  remember  I  swam 
faster  by  means  of  these  pallets,  but  they  fatigued 
my  wrists.     I  also   fitted  to  the   soles  of  my  feet  a 


Translator  of  Dr.  F 

13* 


150  FRANKLIN'S  WORKS. 

kind  of  sandals ;  but  I  was  not  satisfied  with  them, 
because  I  observed  that  the  stroke  is  partly  given 
by  the  inside  of  the  feet  and  the  ankles,  and  not 
entirely  with  the  soles  of  the  feet. 

We  have  here  waistcoats  for  swimming,  which 
are  made  of  double  sail  cloth,  with  small  pieces  of 
cork  quilted  in  between  them. 

I  know  by  experience,  that  it  is  a  great  comfort 
to  a  swimmer  who  has  a  considerable  distance  to 
go,  to  turn  himself  sometimes  on  his  back,  and  to 
vary  in  other  respects  the  means  of  procuring  a 
progressive  motion. 

When  he  is  seized  with  the  cramp  in  the  leg, 
the  method  of  driving  it  away  is  to  give  to  the  parts 
affected  a  sudden,  vigorous  and  violent  shock  ; 
which  he  may  do  in  the  air  as  he  swims  on  his 
back. 

During  the  great  heats  of  summer,  there  is  no  dan- 
ger in  bathing,  however  warm  we  may  be,  in  rivers 
which  have  been  thoroughly  warmed  by  the  sun. 
But  to  throw  one's  self  into  cold  spring  water,  when 
the  body  has  been  heated  by  exercise  in  the  sun, 
is  an  imprudence  which  may  prove  fatal.  I  once 
knew  an  instance  of  four  young  men,  who,  having 
worked  at  harvest  in  the  heat  of  the  day,  with  a 
view  of  refreshing  themselves,  plunged  into  a  spring 
of  cold  water ;  two  died  upon  the  spot,  a  third  the 
next  morning,  and  the  fourth  recovered  with  great 
difficulty.     A   copious  draught    of  cold  water,  ir 


FHANKLLVS  WORKS.  151 

similar  circumstances,  is  frequently  attended  with 
the  same  effect  in  North  America. 

The  exercise  of  swimming  is  one  of  the  most 
healthy  and  agreeable  in  the  world.  After  having 
swam  for  an  hour  or  two  in  the  evening,  one  sleeps 
coolly  the  whole  night,  even  during  the  most  ar- 
dent heat  of  summer.  Perhaps,  the  pores  being 
cleansed,  the  insensible  perspiration  increases,  and 
occasions  this  coolness.  It  is  certain,  that  much 
swimming  is  the  means  of  stopping  a  diarrhoea, 
and  even  of  producing  a  constipation.  With  re- 
spect to  those  who  do  not  know  how  to  swim,  or 
who  are  affected  with  a  diarrhoea  at  a  season  which 
does  not  permit  them  to  use  that  exercise,  a  warm 
bath,  by  cleansing  and  purifying  the  skin,  is  found 
very  salutary,  and  often  effects  a  radical  cure.  I 
speak  from  my  own  experience,  frequently  repeated, 
and  that  of  others,  to  whom  I  have  recommended 
this. 

You  will  not  be  displeased  if  I  conclude  these 
hasty  remarks  by  informing  you,  that  as  the  ordi- 
nary method  of  swimming  is  reduced  to  the  act  of 
rowing  with  the  arms  and  legs,  and  is,  consequently, 
a  laborious  and  fatiguing  operation  when  the  space 
of  water  to  be  crossed  is  considerable  ;  there  is  a 
method  in  which  a  swimmer  may  pass  to  great  dis- 
tances with  much  facility,  by  means  of  a  sail. 
This  discovery  I  fortunately  made  by  accident,  and 
in  the  following  manner  : — 

When    I   was   a  boy,  I  amused   myself  one  day 


152  FRANKLIN'S  WORKS. 

with  flying  a  paper  kite  ;  and  approaching  the  back 
of  a  pond,  which  was  near  a  mile  broad,  I  tied  the 
string  to  a  stake,  and  the  kite  ascended  to  a  very 
considerable  height  above  the  pond,  while  I  was 
swimming.  In  a  little  time,  being  desirous  of 
amusing  myself  with  my  kite  and  enjoying  at  the 
same  time  the  pleasure  of  swimming,  I  returned, 
and  loosing  from  the  stake  the  string  with  the  little 
stick  which  was  fastened  to  it,  went  again  into 
the  water,  where  I  found,  that,  lying  on  my  back, 
and  holding  the  stick  in  my  hands,  I  was  drawn 
along  the  surface  of  the  water  in  a  very  agreeable 
manner.  Having  then  engaged  another  boy  to 
carry  my  clothes  round  the  pond,  to  a  place  which 
[  pointed  out  to  him,  on  the  other  side,  I  began  to 
cross  the  pond  with  my  kite,  which  carried  me 
quite  over  without  the  least  fatigue,  and  with  the 
greatest  pleasure  imaginable.  I  was  only  obliged 
occasionally  to  halt  a  little  in  my  course,  and  resist 
its  progress,  when  it  appeared  that,  by  following 
too  quick,  I  lowered  the  kite  too  much ;  by  doing 
which  occasionally  I  made  it  rise  again.  I  have 
never  since  that  time  practised  this  singular  mode 
of  swimming,  though  I  think  it  not  impossible  to 
cross  in  this  manner  from  Dover  to  Calais.  The 
packet-boat,  however,  is  still  preferable. 


FRANKLIN'S  WORKS.  153 


PRELIMINARY  ADDRESS  TO  THE  PENN- 
SYLVANIA ALMANAC,  ENTITLED,  »  POOR 
RICHARD'S  ALMANAC,  FOR  THE  YEAR 
1758." 

I  have  heard,  that  nothing  gives  an  author  so 
great  pleasure  as  to  find  his  works  respectfully 
quoted  by  other  learned  authors.  This  pleasure  I 
have  seldom  enjoyed  ;  for  though  I  have  been,  if 
I  may  say  it  without  vanity,  an  eminent  author 
(of  almanacs)  annually,  now  a  full  quarter  of  a  cen- 
tury, my  brother  authors  in  the  same  way  (for  what 
reason  I  know  not)  have  ever  been  very  sparing  in 
their  applauses ;  and  no  other  author  has  taken 
the  least  notice  of  me  ;  so  that,  did  not  my  writings 
produce  me  some  solid  pudding,  the  great  deficien- 
cy of  praise  would  have  quite  discouraged  me. 

I  concluded,  at  length,  that  the  people  were  the 
best  judges  of  my  merit,  for  they  buy  my  works  ; 
and  besides,  in  my  rambles,  where  I  am  not  per- 
sonally  known,   I    have   frequently  heard  one   or 
ther  of  my  adages  repeated,  with  "as  poor  Richard 
ays,"  at  the  end  on't.     This  gave  me  some  satis- 
faction, as  it  showed  not  only  that  my  instructions 
were  regarded,  but  discovered   likewise    some  re- 
spect for  my  authority ;  and  I  own,  that  to  encour- 
age the    practice    of  remembering  and  repeating 
G2 


154  FRANKLIN'S  WORKS. 

those  wise  sentences,  I  have  sometimes  quoted 
myself  with  great  gravity. 

Judge,  then,  how  much  1  have  been  gratified  by 
an  incident  which  I  am  going  to  relate  to  you.  I 
stopped  my  horse  lately  where  a  great  number  of 
people  were  collected  at  an  auction  of  merchants 
goods.  The  hour  of  sale  not  being  come,  they 
were  conversing  on  the  badness  of  the  times ;  and 
one  of  the  company  called  to  a  plain,  clean,  old 
man,  with  white  locks,  "  Pray,  father  Abraham, 
what  think  ye  of  the  times  ?  Won't  these  heavy 
taxes  quite  ruin  the  country  1  How  shall  we  ever 
De  able  to  pay  them  1  What  would  you  advise 
us  to  V  Father  Abraham  stood  up,  and  replied, — 
"  If  you  have  my  advice,  I'll  give  it  to  you  in  short ; 
'for  a  word  to  the  wise  is  enough  ;  and  many  words 
won't  fill  a  bushel,'  as  poor  Richard  says."  They 
joined  in  desiring  him  to  speak  his  mind;  and, 
gathering  round  him,  he  proceeded  as  follows : 

"  Frends  (says  he)  and  neighbors,  the  taxes  are 
indeed  very  heavy  ;  and  if  those  laid  on  by  the  gov- 
ernment were  the  only  ones  we  had  to  pay,  we 
might  more  easily  discharge  them :  but  we  have 
many  others,  and  much  more  grievous  to  some  of 
us.  We  are  taxed  twice  as  much  by  our  idleness, 
three  times  as  much  by  our  pride,  and  four  times 
as  much  by  our  folly :  and  from  these  taxes  the 
commissioners  cannot  ease  or  deliver  us,  by  allow- 
ing an   abatement.     However,  let    us  hearken  tc 


FILANKLIN'S  WORKS.  155 

good  advice,  and  something  may  be  done  for  us : 
'  God  helps  them  that  help  themselves,'  as  poor 
Richard  says  in  his  Almanac. 

"  It  would  be  thought  a  hard  government  that 
should  tax  its  people  one  tenth  part  of  their  time, 
to  be  employed  in  its  service ;  but  idleness  taxes 
many  of  us  much  more,  if  we  reckon  all  that  is 
spent  in  absolute  sloth,  or  doing  of  nothing,  with 
that  which  is  spent  in  idle  employments,  or 
amusements  that  amount  to  nothing.  Sloth,  by 
bringing  on  diseases,  absolutely  shortens  life. 
'  Sloth,  like  rust,  consumes  faster  than  labor  wears, 
while  the  key  often  used  is  always  bright,'  as  poor 
Richard  says.  '  But  dost  thou  love  life  1  then  do 
not  squander  time,  for  that's  the  stuff  life  is  made 
of,'  as  poor  Richard  says.  How  much  more  than 
is  necessary  do  we  spend  in  sleep !  forgetting  that 
'  the  sleeping  fox  catches  no  poultry,  and  that 
there  will  be  sleeping  enough  in  the  grave,'  as  poor 
Richard  says.  'If time  be  of  all  things  the  most 
precious,  wasting  time  must  be  (as  poor  Richard 
says)  the  greatest  prodigality  ;'  since,  as  he  else- 
where tells  us,  '  Lost  time  is  never  found  again ; 
and  what  we  call  time  enough,  always  proves  little 
enough.'  Let  us  then  up  and  be  doing,  and  doing 
to  the  purpose  :  so  by  diligence  shall  we  do  more 
with  less  perplexity.  '  Sloth  makes  all  things  dif- 
ficult, but  industry  all  easy,'  as  poor  Richard  says  ; 
and  '  He  that  riseth  late  must  trot  all  day,  and  shall 
scarce  overtake  his  business  at  night ;   while  lazi- 


1 5<)  FRANKLIN'S  WORKS. 

ness  travels  so  slowly,  that  poverty  soon  overtakes 
him,'  as  we  read  in  poor  Richard;  who  adds, 
'  Drive  thy  business,  let  not  that  drive  thee ;'  and, 

'  Early  to  bed,  and  early  to  rise, 
Makes  a  man  healthy,  wealthy,  and  wise.' 

"  So  what  signifies  wishing  and  hoping  for  bette 
times  ?  We  make  these  times  better  if  we  bestir 
ourselves.  £  Industry  needs  not  wish,'  as  poor  Rich- 
ard says ;  '  He  that  lives  upon  hope  will  die  fasting.' 
'  There  are  no  gains  without  pains ;  then  help, 
hands,  for  I  have  no  lands  :  or  if  I  have,  they  are 
smartly  taxed ;'  and  (as  poor  Richard  likewise  ob- 
serves) '  He  that  hath  a  trade  hath  an  estate,  and 
he  that  hath  a  calling  hath  an  office  of  profit  and 
honor;'  but  then  the  trade  must  be  worked  at, 
and  the  calling  well  followed,  or  neither  the  estate 
nor  the  office  will  enable  us  to  pay  our  taxes.  If  we 
are  industrious,  we  shall  never  starve ;  for,  as  poor 
Richard  says, '  At  the  working-man's  house  hunger 
looks  in,  but  dares  not  enter.'  Nor  will  the  bailifl 
or  the  constable  enter ;  for,  '  Industry  pays  debts, 
but  despair  increaseth  them,'  says  poor  Richard. 
What  though  you  have  found  no  treasure,  nor  ha 
any  rich  relation  left  you  a  legacy  1  '  Diligence  is 
the  mother  of  good  luck,'  as  poor  Richard  says : 
and  '  God  gives  all  things  to  industry  :  then  plough 
deep  while  sluggards  sleep,  and  you  will  have  corn 
to  sell  and  to  keep,'  says  poor  Dick.  Work  while  it 
is  called  to  l?y ,  for  you  know  not  how  much  you 


FRANKLIN'S  WORKS.  15? 

may  be  hindered  to-morrow ;  which  makes  poor 
Richard  say,  '  One  to-day  is  worth  two  to-morrows  ;' 
and,  further,  '  Have  you  somewhat  to  do  to-morrow, 
do  it  to-day.'  '  If  you  were  a  servant,  would  you 
not  be  ashamed  that  a  good  master  should  catch 
you  idle  1  Are  you  then  your  own  master  1  be 
ashamed  to  catch  yourself  idle,'  as  poor  Dick  says 
When  there  is  so  much  to  be  done  for  yourself, 
your  family,  and  your  gracious  king,  be  up  by  peep 
of  day  :  '  Let  not  the  sun  look  down,  and  say,  In- 
glorious here  he  lies !'  Handle  your  tools  without 
mittens  ;  remember,  that  '  the  cat  in  gloves  catches 
no  mice,'  as  poor  Richard  says.  It  is  true,  there 
is  much  to  be  done,  and  perhaps  you  are  weak- 
handed  ;  but  stick  to  it  steadily,  and  you  will  see 
great  effects ;  for  continual  dropping  wears  away 
stones,  and  by  diligence  and  patience  the  mouse 
ate  into  the  cable  ;  and  '  light  strokes  fell  great  oaks,' 
as  poor  Richard  says  in  his  Almanac,  the  year  I 
cannot  just  now  remember. 

"  Methinks  I  hear  some  of  you  say,  'Must  a  man 
afford  himself  no  leisure  V — I  will  tell  thee,  my 
friend,  what  poor  Richard  says  ;  '  Employ  thy  time 
well,  if  thou  meanest  to  gain  leisure;  and  since 
thou  art  not  sure  of  a  minute,  throw  not  away  an 
hour.'  Leisure  is  time  for  doing  something  useful ; 
this  leisure  the  diligent  man  will  obtain,  but  the 
lazy  man  never ;  so  that,  as  poor  Richard  says, 
'  A  life  of  leisure  and  a  life  of  laziness  are  two 
things.'  Do  you  imagine  that  sloth  will  afford  you 
14 


158  FRANKLIN'S  WORKS. 

more  comfort  than  labor  ?  No  ;  for,  as  poor  Rich 
ard  says,  '  Troubles  spring  from  idleness,  and 
grievous  toils  from  needless  ease :  many  without 
labor  would  live  by  their  own  wits  only;  but  the) 
break  for  want  of  stock.'  Whereas  industry  give; 
comfort,  and  plenty,  and  respect.  '  Fly  pleasures, 
and  they'll  follow  you ;  the  diligent  spinner  has  a 
large  shift ;  and  now  I  have  a  sheep  and  a  cow, 
every  body  bids  me  good-morrow ; '  all  which  is 
well  said  by  poor  Richard. 

"  But  with  our  industry,  we  must  likewise  be 
steady,  and  settled,  and  careful,  and  oversee  our 
own  affairs  with  our  own  eyes,  and  not  trust  too 
much  to  others  ;  for,  as  poor  Richard  says, 

'  I  never  saw  an  oft-removed  tree, 

Nor  j'et  an  oft-removed  family, 

That  throve  so  well  as  one  that  settled  be.' 

"  And  again,  '  Three  removes  are  as  bad  as  a 
fire  :'  and  again,  '  Keep  thy  shop,  and  thy  shop  will 
keep  thee :'  and  again,  '  If  you  would  have  your 
business  done,  go ;  if  not,  send.'     And  again, 

'  He  that  hy  the  plough  would  thrive, 
Himself  must  either  hold  or  drive.' 

'•And  again,  'The  eye  of  the  master  will  do 
more  work  than  »*oth  his  hanus ;'  and  again,  '  Want 
of  care  does  us  more  damage  than  want  of  knowl- 
edge ;'  and  again,  '  Not  Jo  oversee  workmen  is  to 
leave  them  your  purse  open.'     Trusting  too  much 


fRANKLIN'S  WORKS.  159 

o  others'  care  is  the  ruin  of  many ;  for,  as  the 
Almanac  says,  'In  the  affairs  of  the  world,  men 
are  saved  not  by  faith,  but  by  the  want  of  it ;  but  a 
man's  own  care  is  profitable ;  for,'  saith  poor  Dick, 
'  Learning  is  to  the  studious  and  riches  to  the  care- 
ful, as  well  as  power  to  the  bold,  and  heaven  to  the 
virtuous.'  And,  further,  '  If  you  would  have  a 
faithful  servant,  and  one  that  you  like,  serve 
yourself.'  And  again,  he  adviseth  to  circumspec- 
tion and  care,  even  in  the  smallest  matters,  because 
sometimes,  '  A  little  neglect  may  breed  great  mis- 
chief;' adding,  '  For  want  of  a  nail  the  shoe  was 
lost ;  for  want  of  a  shoe  the  horse  was  lost ;  and  for 
want  of  a  horse  the  rider  was  lost :'  being  overtaken 
and  slain  by  the  enemy,  all  for  want  of  care  about 
a  horse-shoe  nail. 

"  So  much  for  industry,  my  friends,  and  atten- 
tion to  one's  own  business ;  but  to  these  we  must 
add  frugality,  if  we  would  make  our  industry  more 
certainly  successful.  A  man  may,  if  he  knows  not 
how  to  save  as  he  gets,  '  keep  his  nose  all  his  life 
to  the  grindstone,  and  die  not  worth  a  groat  at  last.' 
'  A  fat  kitchen  makes  a  lean  will,'  as  poor  Richard 
says ;  and, 

'Many  estates  are  spent  !n  the  getting; 

Since  women  for  tea  forsook  spinning  and  knitting, 

And  men  for  punch  forsook  hewing  and  splitting.' 

"  '  If  you  would  be  wealthy  (says  he,  in  another 
Almanac),  think  of  saving,  as  well   as  of  getting: 


160  FRANKLIN'S  WORKS. 

the  Indies  have  not  made  Spain  rich,  because  her 
outgoes  are  greater  than  her  incomes.' 

"  Away  then  with  your  expensive  follies,  and 
you  will  not  have  much  cause  to  complain  of  hard 
times,  heavy  taxes,  and  chargeable  families;  for, 
as  poor  Dick  says, 

'  Women  and  wine,  game  and  deceit, 
Make  the  wealth  small,  and  the  want  great. 

"  And,  further,  '  What  maintains  one  vice,  would 
bring  up  two  children.'  You  may  think,  perhaps, 
that  a  little  tea,  or  a  little  punch  now  and  then,  diet 
a  little  more  costly,  clothes  a  little  finer,  and  a  little 
entertainment  now  and  then,  can  be  no  great  mat- 
ter ;  but  remember  what  poor  Richard  says — '  Many 
a  little  makes  a  mickle  ;'  and  further,  '  Beware  of 
little  expenses ;  a  small  leak  will  sink  a  great  ship  ;' 
and  again, '  Who  dainties  love  shall  beggars  prove  ;' 
and  moreover,  'Fools  make  feasts,  and  wise  men 
eat  them.' 

"  Here  you  are  all  got  together  at  this  sale  of 
fineries  and  nick-nacks.  You  call  them  goods; 
but  if  you  do  not  take  care,  they  will  prove  evils  to 
some  of  you.  You  expect  they  will  be  sold  cheap, 
and  perhaps  they  may  for  less  than  they  cost ;  but  if 
you  have  no  occasion  for  them,  they  must  be  dear 
to  you.  Remember  what  poor  Richard  says — '  Buy 
what  thou  hast  no  need  of,  and  ere  long  thou  shalt 
sell  thy  necessaries.'  And  again,  '  At  a  great  pen- 
nyworth pause   awhile.'     He   means,  that  perhaps 


FRANKLIN'S  WORKS.  161 

the  cheapness  is  apparent  only,  or  not  real ;  or  the 
bargain,  by  straitening  thee  in  thy  business,  may  do 
thee  more  harm  than  good.  For  in  another  place 
he  says,  '  Many  have  been  ruined  by  buying  good 
pennyworths.'  Again,  as  poor  Richard  says,  '  I 
is  foolish  to  lay  out  money  in  a  purchase  of  repent 
ance :'  and  yet  this  folly  is  practised  every  day  at 
auctions,  for  want  of  minding  the  Almanac.  '  Wise 
men  (as  poor  Dick  says)  learn  by  others'  harms, 
fools  scarcely  by  their  own  ;  but  Felix  quern  f admit 
aliena  pericula  cautum.'  Many  a  one,  for  the  sake  of 
finery  on  the  back,  have  gone  with  a  hungry  belly, 
and  half  starved  their  families :  '  Silk  and  satins, 
scarlet  and  velvets  (as  poor  Richard  says),  put  out 
the  kitchen  fire.'  These  are  not  the  necessaries 
of  life ;  they  can  scarcely  be  called  the  conveni- 
ences ;  and  yet  only  because  they  look  pretty,  how 
many  want  to  have  them !  The  artificial  wants  of 
mankind  thus  become  more  numerous  than  the 
natural  ;  and  as  poor  Dick  says,  '  For  one  poor  per- 
son there  are  a  hundred  indigent.'  By  these  and 
other  extravagances  the  genteel  are  reduced  to 
poverty,  and  forced  to  borrow  of  those  whom  they 
formerly  despised,  but  who,  through  industry  and 
frugality,  have  maintained  their  standing;  in  which 
case  it  appears  plainly,  '  A  ploughman  on  his  legs 
is  higher  than  a  gentleman  on  his  knees,'  as  poor 
Richard  says.  Perhaps  they  have  had  a  small  es- 
tate left  them,  which  they  knew  not  the  getting  of: 
they  think  '  It  is  day,  and  will  never  be  night ; 
M  * 


162  FRANKLIN'S  WORKS. 

that  a  little  to  be  spent  out  of  so  much,  is  not  worth 
minding."  '  A  child  and  a  fool  (as  poor  Richard 
says)  imagine  twenty  shillings  and  twenty  years  can 
never  be  spent ;  but  always  be  taking  out  of  the 
meal-tub,  and  never  putting  in,  soon  comes  to  the 
bottom  :'  then,  as  poor  Dick  says,  '  When  the  well  is 
dry,  they  know  the  worth  of  water.'  But  this  they 
might  have  known  before,  if  they  had  taken  his 
advice  :  '  if  you  would  know  the  value  of  money, 
go  and  try  to  borrow  some ;  for  he  that  goes  a  bor- 
rowing goes  a  sorrowing ;  and,  indeed,  so  does  he 
that  lends  to  such  people,  when  he  goes  to  get  it  in 
again.'     Poor  Dick  further  advises,  and  says, 

•  Fond  pride  of  dress  is  sure  a  very  curse  : 
Ere  fancy  }'ou  consult,  consult  your  purse.' 

And  again,  '  Pride  is  as  loud  a  beggar  as  Want, 
and  a  great  deal  more  saucy.'  When  you  have 
bought  one  fine  thing,  you  must  buy  ten  more,  that 
your  appearance  may  be  all  of  a  piece ;  but  poor 
Dick  says,  '  It  is  easier  to  suppress  the  first  desire, 
than  to  satisfy  all  that  follow  it.'  And  it  is  as 
truly  folly  for  the  poor  to  ape  the  rich,  as  the  frog 
to  swell  in  order  to  equal  the  ox. 

'  Vessels  large  may  venture  more, 
But  little  boats  should  keep  near  shore. 

Tis,  however,  a  folly  soon  punished  ;  for  '  Pride 
that  dines  on  vanity,  sups  on  contempt,'  as  pool 
Richard  says.     And  in  another  place.  '  Pride  break 


FRANKLIN'S  WORKS.  163 

fasted  with  Plenty,  dined  with  Poverty,  and  supped 
with  Infamy.'  And,  after  all,  of  what  use  is  this 
pride  of  appearance,  for  which  so  much  is  risked, 
so  much  is  suffered  1  It  cannot  promote  health,  or 
ease  pain ;  it  makes  no  increase  of  merit  in  the 
person ;  it  hastens  misfortune. 

What  is  a  butterfly  ?  At  best, 
He's  but  a  caterpillar  drest ; 
The  gaudy,  i'op's  his  picture  just, 

as  poor  Richard  says. 

"  But  what  madness  must  it  be  to  run  in  debt 
for  these  superfluities !  We  are  offered,  by  the 
terms  of  this  sale,  six  months'  credit,  and  that  per- 
haps has  induced  some  of  us  to  attend  it,  because 
we  cannot  spare  the  ready  money,  and  hope  now  to 
be  fine  without  it.  But,  ah !  think  what  you  do 
when  you  run  in  debt.  You  give  to  another  power 
over  your  liberty.  If  you  cannot  pay  at  the  time, 
you  will  be  ashamed  to  see  your  creditor :  you  will 
be  in  fear  when  you  speak  to  him ;  you  will  make 
poor,  pitiful,  sneaking  excuses,  and  by  degrees 
come  to  lose  your  veracity,  and  sink  into  basf, 
downright  lying;  for,  as  poor  Richard  says,  'The 
second  vice  is  lying;  the  first  is  running  in  debt.' 
And  again,  to  the  same  purpose,  '  Lying  rides  upon 
debt's  back ;'  whereas  a  free-born  Englishman 
ought  not  to  be  ashamed  nor  afraid  to  speak  to  any 
man  living. — But  poverty  often  deprives  a  man'  of 
all   spirit  and  virtue  :  'It  is  hard  for  an  empty  bag 


164  FRANKLIN'S  WORKS. 

to  stand  upright,'  as  poor  Richard  truly  says 
What  would  you  think  of  that  prince,  or  that  gov- 
ernment, who  would  issue  an  edict,  forbidding  you 
to  dress  like  a  gentleman  or  gentlewoman,  on  pain 
of  imprisonment  or  servitude  1  Would  you  not  say, 
that  you  were  free,  have  a  right  to  dress  as  you 
please,  and  that  such  an  edict  would  be  a  breach 
of  your  privileges,  and  such  a  government  tyranni- 
cal 1  And  yet  you  are  about  to  put  yourself  under 
that  tyranny  when  you  run  in  debt  for  such  dress  ! 
Your  creditor  has  authority,  at  his  pleasure,  to  de- 
prive you  of  your  liberty,  by  confining  you  in  jail 
for  life,  or  by  selling  you  for  a  servant,  if  you  should 
not  be  able  to  pay  him.  When  you  have  got  your 
bargain,  you  may,  perhaps,  think  little  of  payment: 
but  '  Creditors  (poor  Richard  tells  us)  have  better 
memories  than  debtors  •'  and  in  another  place  he 
says,  '  Creditors  are  a  superstitious  sect,  great  ob- 
servers of  set  days  and  times.'  The  day  comes 
round  before  you  are  aware,  and  the  demand  is  made 
before  you  are  prepared  to  satisfy  it ;  or,  if  you 
bear  your  debt  in  mind,  the  term  which  at  first 
seemed  so  long,  will,  as  it  lessens,  appear  extremely 
short.  Time  will  seem  to  have  added  wings  to  his 
heels  as  well  as  at  his  shoulders.  '  Those  have  a 
short  Lent  (saith  poor  Richard)  who  owe  money  to 
be  paid  at  Easter.'  Then  since,  as  he  says,  '  The 
borrower  is  a  slave  to  the  lender,  and  the  debtor  to 
the  creditor,'  disdain  the  chain,  preserve  your  free- 
dom, and  maintain  your  independency:  be  hid  us- 


FRANKLIN'S  WORKS.  j<j,j 

irious  and  free;  be  frugal  and  free.  At  present, 
perhaps,  you  may  think  yourselves  in  thriving  cir- 
cumstances, and  that  you  can  bear  a  little  extrava- 
gance without  injury ;  but 

'  For  age  and  want  save  while  you  may 
N  i  morning  sun  lasts  a  whole  day,' 

as  poor  Richard  says.  Gain  may  be  temporary  and 
uncertain  ;  but  ever,  while  you  live,  expense  is  con- 
stant and  certain :  and  '  It  is  easier  to  build  two 
chimneys,  than  to  keep  one  in  fuel,'  as  poor  Rich- 
ard says.  So  'Rather  go  to  bed  supperless  than 
rise  in  debt.' 

'  Get  what  you  can,  and  what  3'ou  get  hold, 

'Tis  the  stone  that  will  turn  all  your  lead  into  gold,' 

as  poor  Richard  says.  And  when  you  have  got 
the  philosopher's  stone,  sure  you  will  no  longer 
complain  of  bad  times,  or  the  difficulty  of  paying 
taxes. 

"  This  doctrine,  my  friends,  is  reason  and  wisdom ; 
but,  after  all,  do  not  depend  too  much  upon  your 
own  industry,  and  frugality,  and  prudence,  though 
excellent  things  ;  for  they  may  be  blasted,  without 
the  blessing  of  Heaven :  and  therefore  ask  that 
blessing  humbly,  and  be  not  uncharitable  to  those 
that  at  present  seem  to  want  it,  but  comfort  and 
help  them.  R,emember  Job  suffered,  and  was  after- 
wards prosperous. 

"And  now,  to  conclude,  'Experience  keeps   a 


106  FRANKLIN'S  WORKS. 

dear  school;  but  fools  will  learn  in  no  other,  and 
scarce  in  that;  for  it  is  true,  we  may  give  advice, 
but  we  cannot  give  conduct,'  as  poor  Richard  says. 
However,  remember  this,  'They  that  will  not  be 
counseled  cannot  be  helped,'  as  poor  Richard 
says;  and  further,  that  '  If  you  will  not  hear  Rea- 
son, she  will  surely  rap  your  knuckles.'  " 

Thus  the  old  gentleman  ended  his  harangue. 
The  people  heard  it,  and  approved  the  doctrine,  and 
immediately  practised  the  contrary,  just  as  if  it  had 
been  a  common  sermon ;  for  the  auction  opened, 
and  they  began  to  buy  extravagantly,  notwithstand- 
ing all  his  cautions,  and  their  own  fear  of  taxes.  I 
found  the  good  man  had  thoroughly  studied  my  Al- 
manacs, and  digested  all  I  had  dropped  on  those 
topics,  during  the  course  of  twenty-five  years.  The 
frequent  mention  he  made  of  me,  must  have  tired 
every  one  else ;  but  my  vanity  was  wonderfully  de- 
lighted with  it,  though  I  was  conscious  that  not  a 
tenth  part  of  the  wisdom  was  my  own,  which  he  as- 
cribed to  me,  but  rather  the  gleanings  that  I  had 
made  of  the  sense  of  all  ages  and  nations.  How- 
ever, I  resolved  to  be  the  better  for  the  echo  of  it ; 
and  though  I  had  at  first  determined  to  buy  stuff 
for  a  new  coat,  I  went  away,  resolved  to  wear  my 
old  one  a  little  longer.  Reader,  if  thou  wilt  do  the 
same,  thy  profit  will  be  as  great  as  mine. 

I  am,  as  ever,  thine  to  serve  thee, 

RICHARD  SAUNDERS 


FRANKLIN'S  WORKS.  167 


OBSERVATIONS  ON   WAR. 

Bv  the  origin-al  laws  of  nations,  war  and  extirpa 
tion  were  the  punishment  of  injury.  Humanizing 
by  degrees,  it  admitted  slavery  instead  of  death;  a 
further  step  was  the  exchange  of  prisoners  instead 
of  slavery ;  another,  to  respect  more  the  property 
of  private  persons  under  conquest,  and  be  content 
with  acquired  dominion.  Why  should  not  this  law 
of  nations  go  on  improving  1  Ages  have  inter- 
vened between  its  several  steps ;  but  as  knowledge 
of  late  increases  rapidly,  why  should  not  those  steps 
be  quickened?  Why  should  it  not  be  agreed  to, 
as  the  future  law  of  nations,  that  in  any  war  here- 
after, the  following  description  of  men  should  be 
undisturbed,  have  the  protection  of  both  sides, 
and  be  permitted  to  follow  their  employments  in  se- 
curity ?  viz. 

1.  Cultivators  of  the  earth,  because  they  labor 
for  the  subsistence  of  mankind. 

2.  Fishermen,  for  the  same  reason. 

3.  Merchants  and  traders  in  unarmed  ships,  who 
accommodate  different  nations  by  communicating 
and  exchanging  the  necessaries  and  conveniences 
of  life. 

4.  Artists  and  mechanics,  inhabiting  and  work 
ing  in  open  towns. 

It  is  hardly  necessary  to  add  that  the  hospitals  of 


168  FRANKLIN'S  WORKS. 

enemies  should  be  unmolested ;  they  ought  to  De 
assisted.  It  is  for  the  interest  of  humanity  in  gen- 
eral, that  the  occasions  of  war,  and  the  induce- 
ments to  it,  should  be  diminished.  If  rapine  be 
abolished,  one  of  the  encouragements  to  war  is 
taken  away ;  and  peace,  therefore,  more  likely  to 
continue  and  be  lasting. 

The  practice  of  robbing  merchants  on  the  high 
peas — a  remnant  of  the  ancient  piracy — though  it 
may  be  accidentally  beneficial  to  particular  persons, 
is  far  from  being  profitable  to  all  engaged  in  it,  or  to 
the  nation  that  authorizes  it.  In  the  beginning  of  a 
war,  some  rich  ships  are  surprised  and  taken.  This 
encourages  the  first  adventurers  to  fit  out  more 
armed  vessels ;  and  many  others  .to  do  the  same. 
But  the  enemy  at  the  same  time  become  more  care- 
ful, arm  their  merchant  ships  better,  and  render 
them  not  so  easy  to  be  taken ;  they  go  also  more 
under  the  protection  of  convoys.  Thus,  while  the 
privateers  to  take  them  are  multiplied,  the  vessels 
subjected  to  be  taken  and  the  chances  of  profit 
are  diminished;  so  that  many  cruises  are  made 
wherein  the  expenses  overgo  the  gains ;  and,  as  is 
the  case  in  other  lotteries,  though  particulars  have 
got  prizes,  the  mass  of  adventurers  are  losers,  the 
whole  expense  of  fitting  out  all  the  privateers  dur- 
ing a  war  being  much  greater  than  the  whole 
amount  of  goods  taken. 

Then  there  is  the  national  loss  of  all  the  labor  of 
bo  many  men  during  the  time  they  have  been  en? 


FRANKLIN'S  WORKS.  169 

ployed  in  robbing ;  who,  besides,  spend  what  they 
get  in  riot,  drunkenness,  and  debauchery ;  lose 
their  habits  of  industry ;  are  rarely  fit  for  any  sober 
business  after  a  peace,  and  serve  only  to  increase 
the  number  of  highwaymen  and  house-breakers. 
Even  the  undertakers  who  have  been  fortunate  are, 
by  sudden  wealth,  led  into  expensive  living,  the 
habit  of  which  continues  when  the  means  of  sup- 
porting it  cease,  and  finally  ruins  them ;  a  just 
punishment  for  their  having  wantonly  and  unfeel- 
ingly ruined  many  honest,  innocent  traders  and 
their  families,  whose  substance  was  employed  in 
serving  the  common  interests  of  mankind. 


THE  WAY   TO    MAKE   MONEY   PLENTY   IN 
EVERY  MAN'S    POCKET. 

At  this  time,  when  the  general  complaint  is  that 
— "  money  is  scarce,"  it  will  be  an  act  of  kindness 
to  inform  the  moneyless  how  they  may  reinforce 
their  pockets.  I  will  acquaint  them  with  the  true 
secret  of  money-catching,  the  certain  way  to  fill 
empty  purses,  and  how  to  keep  them  always  full. 
Two  simple  rules,  well  observed,  will  do  the  busi- 
ness. 

First,  Let  honesty  and  industry  be  thy  constant, 
companions  ;   and, 

15  H 


170  FRANKLIN'S  WORKS. 

Secondly,  Spend  one  penny  less  than  thy  clear 
gains. 

Then  shall  thy  hide-bound  pocket  soon  begin  to 
thrive,  and  will  never  again  cry  with  the  empty 
belly-ache ;  neither  will  creditors  insult  thee,  nor 
want  oppress,  nor  hunger  bite,  nor  nakedness  freeze 
thee.  The  whole  hemisphere  will  shine  brighter, 
and  pleasure  spring  up  in  every  corner  of  thy  heart. 
Now,  therefore,  embrace  these  rules  and  be  happy. 
Banish  the  bleak  winds  of  sorrow  from  thy  mind, 
and  live  independent.  Then  shalt  thou  be  a  man, 
and  not  hide  thy  face  at  the  approach  of  the  rich, 
nor  suffer  the  pain  of  feeling  little  when  the  sons  of 
fortune  walk  at  thy  right  hand ;  for  independency, 
whether  with  little  or  much,  is  good  fortune,  and 
placeth  thee  on  even  ground  with  the  proudest  o" 
the  golden  fleece  Oh,  then,  be  wise,  and  let  indus- 
try walk  with  thee  in  the  morning,  and  attend  thee 
until  thou  reachest  the  evening  hour  for  rest.  Let 
honesty  be  as  the  breath  of  thy  soul,  and  never  for- 
get to  have  a  penny,  when  all  thy  expenses  are 
enumerated  and  paid;  then  shalt  thou  reach  the 
point  of  happiness,  and  independence  shall  be  thy 
shield  and  buckler,  thy  helmet  and  crown;  then 
shall  thy  soul  walk  upright,  nor  stoop  to  the  silken 
wretch  because  he  hath  riches,  nor  pocket  an  abuse 
because  the  hand  which  offers  it  wears  a  ring  set 
Aith  diamonds. 


FRANKLINS  WORKS.  171 


MORALS  OP  CHESS. 

Playing  at  chess  is  the  most  ancient  and  univer- 
sal game  known  among  men ;  for  its  original  is  be- 
yond the  memory  of  history,  and  it  has,  for  num- 
berless ages,  been  the  amusement  of  all  the  civil- 
ized nations  of  Asia — the  Persians,  the  Indians, 
and  the  Chinese.  Europe  has  had  it  above  a  thou- 
sand years ;  the  Spaniards  have  spread  it  over  their 
parts  of  America,  and  it  begins  to  make  its  appear- 
ance in  these  States.  It  is  so  interesting  in  itself 
as  not  to  need  the  view  of  gain  to  induce  engaging 
iii  i,  and  thence  it  is  never  played  for  money 
Those,  therefore,  who  have  leisure  for  such  diver- 
sions, cannot  find  one  that  is  more  innocent ;  and 
the  following  piece,  written  with  a  view  to  correct 
(among  a  few  young  friends)  some  little  improprie 
ties  in  the  practice  of  it,  shows,  at  the  same  time, 
that  it  may,  in  its  effects  on  the  mind,  be  not  merely 
innocent,  but  advantageous,  to  the  vanquished  as 
well  as  the  victor. 

The  game  of  chess  is  not  merely  an  idle  amuse- 
ment. Several  very  valuable  qualities  of  the  mind, 
useful  in  the  course  of  human  life,  are  to  be  ac- 
quired or  strengthened  by  it,  so  as  to  become  habits 
ready  on  all  occasions.  For  life  is  a  kind  of  chess, 
in  which  we  have  points  to  gain,  and  competitors 
01   adversaries  to  contend  with  and  in  which  there 


1753  FRANKLIN'S  WORKS 

is  a  vast  variety  of  good  and  ill  events,  that  are,  ir. 
some  degree,  the  effects  of  prudence  or  the  want  of 
it.     By  playing  at  chess,  then,  we  learn, 

I.  Foresight,  which  looks  a  little  into  futurity, 
considers  the  consequences  that  may  attend  an  ac- 
tion :  for  it  is  continually  occurring  to  the  player, 
"  If  I  move  this  piece,  what  will  be  the  advan- 
tage of  my  new  situation  1  What  use  can  my  ad- 
versary make  of  it  to  annoy  me  1  What  other 
moves  can  I  make  to  support  it,  and  to  defend  my- 
self from  his  attacks  1" 

II.  Circumspection,  which  surveys  the  whole 
chessboard,  or  scene  of  action,  the  relations  of  the 
several  pieces  and  situation,  the  dangers  they  are 
respectively  exposed  to,  the  several  possibilities  of 
their  aiding  each  other,  the  probabilities  that  the 
adversary  may  take  this  or  that  move,  and  attack 
this  or  the  other  piece,  and  what  different  means 
can  be  used  to  avoid  his  stroke,  or  turn  its  conse- 
quences against  him. 

III.  Caution,  not  to  make  your  moves  too  hasti- 
ly. This  habit  is  best  acquired  by  observing 
strictly  the  laws  of  the  game,  such  as,  "  If  you  touch 
a  piece,  you  must  move  it  somewhere ;  if  you  set  it 
down,  you  must  let  it  stand  :"  and  it  is  therefore  best 
that  these  rules  should  be  observed ;  as  the  game 
thereby  becomes  more  the  image  of  human  life,  and 
particularly  of  war :  in  which,  if  you  have  incau- 
tiously put  yourself  into  a  bad  and  dangerous  posi- 
tion, you  cannot  obtain  your  enemy's  leave  to  with- 


FRANKLIN'S  WORKS.  173 

draw  your  troops,  and  place  them  more  securely, 
but  you  must  abide  all  the  consequences  of  your 
rashness. 

And,  lastly,  we  learn  by  chess  the  habit  of  not 
being  discouraged  by  present  bad  appearances  in 
'lie  state  of  our  affairs,  the  habit  of  hoping  foi  a 
favorable  change,  and  that  of  persevering  in  the 
search  of  resources.  The  game  is  so  full  of  events, 
there  is  such  a  variety  of  turns  in  it,  the  fortune  of 
it  is  so  subject  to  sudden  vicissitudes,  and  one  so 
frequently,  after  long  contemplation,  discovers  the 
means  of  extricating  one's  self  from  a  supposed  in- 
surmountable difficulty,  that  one  is  encouraged  to 
continue  the  contest  to  the  last,  in  hope  of  victory 
by  our  own  skill,  or  at  least  of  giving  a  stale  mate, 
by  the  negligence  of  our  adversary.  And  whoever 
considers,  what  in  chess  he  often  sees  instances  of, — 
that  particular  pieces  of  success  are  apt  to  produce 
presumption,  and  its  consequent  inattention,  by 
which  the  loss  may  be  recovered, — will  learn  not  to 
be  too  much  discouraged  by  the  present  success  of 
his  adversary,  nor  to  despair  of  final  good  fortune, 
upon  every  little  check  he  receives  in  the  pursuit 
of  it. 

That  we  may,  therefore,  be  induced  more  fre- 
quently to  choose  this  beneficial  amusement,  in 
preference  to  others,  which  are  not  attended  with 
the  same  advantages,  every  circumstance  which 
may  increase  the  pleasure  of  it  should  be  regarded ; 
and  every  action  or  word  that  is  unfair,  disrespect- 
15* 


174  FRANKL1JNS  WORKS. 

fill,  or  that  in  any  way  may  give  uneasiness,  should 
be  avoided,  as  contrary  to  the  immediate  intention 
of  both  the  players,  which  is  to  pass  the  time  agree- 
ably. 

Therefore,  first,  If  it  is  agreed  to  play  according 
to  the  strictest  rules,  then  those  rules  are  to  be  ex- 
actly observed  by  both  parties,  and  should  not  be 
insisted  on  for  one  side,  while  deviated  from  by  the 
other — for  this  is  not  equitable. 

Secondly,  If  it  is  agreed  not  to  observe  the  rules 
exactly,  but  one  party  demands  indulgences,  he 
should,  then,  be  as  willing  to  allow  them  to  the 
other. 

Thirdly,  No  false  move  should  ever  be  made  to 
extricate  yourself  out  of  a  difficulty,  or  to  gain  an 
advantage.  There  can  be  no  pleasure  in  playing 
with  a  person  once  detected  in  such  unfair  prac- 
tices. 

Fourthly,  If  your  adversary  is  long  in  playing, 
you  ought  not  to  hurry  him,  or  to  express  any  un- 
easiness at  his  delay.  You  should  not  sing,  nor 
whistle,  nor  look  at  your  watch,  nor  take  up  a  book 
to  read,  nor  make  a  tapping  with  your  feet  on  the 
floor,  or  with  your  fingers  on  the  table,  nor  do  any 
thing  that  may  disturb  his  attention.  For  all  these 
things  displease ;  and  they  do  not  show  your  skill 
in  playing,  but  your  craftiness  or  your  rudeness. 

Fifthly,  You  ought  not  to  endeavor  to  amuse  and 
deceive  your  adversary,  by  pretending  to  have  made 
bad  moves,  and  saying  that  you   have  now  lost  the 


FRANKLIN'S  WORKS  175 

game,  in  order  to  make  him  secure  and  careless, 
and  inattentive  to  your  schemes ;  for  .this  is  fraud 
and  deceit,  not  skill  in  the  game. 

Sixthly,  You  must  not,  when  you  have  gained  a 
victory,  use  any  triumphing  or  insulting  expression, 
nor  show  too  much  pleasure  ;  but  endeavor  to  con- 
sole your  adversary,  and  make  him  less  dissatisfied 
with  himself,  by  every  kind  of  civil  expression  that 
may  be  used  with  truth ;  such  as,  "  You  understand 
the  game  better  then  I,  but  you  are  a  little  inatten- 
tive ;"  or,  "  You  play  too  fast;"  or,  "  You  had  the 
best  of  the  game,  but  something  happened  to  divert 
your  thoughts,  and  that  turned  it  in  my  favor." 

Seventhly,  If  you  are  a  spectator  while  others 
play,  observe  the  most  perfect  silence.  For  if  you 
give  advice,  you  offend  both  parties ;  him  against 
whom  you  give  it,  because  it  may  cause  the  loss  of 
his  game ;  and  him  in  whose  favor  you  gave  it, 
because,  though  it  be  good,  and  he  follows  it,  he 
loses  the  pleasure  he  might  have  had,  if  you  had 
permitted  him  to  think  until  it  had  occurred  to  him- 
self. Even  after  a  move,  or  moves,  you  must  not, 
by  replacing  the  pieces,  show  how  it  might  have 
been  placed  better;  for  that  displeases,  and  may 
occasion  disputes  and  doubts  about  their  true  situa- 
tion. All  talking  to  the  players  lessens  or  diverts 
their  attention,  and  is  therefore  unpleasing.  Nor 
should  you  give  the  least  hint  to  either  party,  by 
any  kind  of  noise  or  motion.  If  you  do,  you  are 
unworthy  to  be  a  spectator.     1  f  you  have  a  mind  to 


176  FRANKLINS  WORKS. 

exercise  or  show  your  judgment,  do  it  in  playing 
your  own  game,  when  you  have  an  opportunity, 
not  in  criticising,  or  meddling  with,  or  counseling 
the  play  of  others. 

Lastly,  If  the  game  is  not  to  be  played  rigorously, 
according  to  the  rules  above-mentioned,  then  moder- 
ate your  desire  of  victory  over  your  adversary,  and 
be  pleased  with  one  over  yourself.  Snatch  not 
eagerly  at  every  advantage  offered  by  his  unskilful- 
ness  or  inattention ;  but  point  out  to  him  kindly 
that  by  such  a  move  he  places  or  leaves  a  piece  in 
danger  and  unsupported ;  that  by  another  he  will 
put  his  king  in  a  perilous  situation,  &c.  By  this 
generous  civility  (so  opposite  to  the  unfairness 
above  forbidden),  you  may,  indeed,  happen  to  lose 
the  game  to  your  own  opponent,  but  you  will  win 
what  is  better,  his  esteem,  his  respect,  and  his  affec- 
tion ;  together  with  the  silent  approbation  and  good- 
will of  impartial  spectators. 


FRANKLIN'S  WORKS.  177 


CONVERSATION   OF  A   COMPANY  OF 
EPHEMERA ; 

WITH    THE    SOLILOQUY    OF    ONE    ADVANCED    IN   AGE. 
TO  MADAME  BRILLIANT. 

You  may  remember,  my  dear  friend,  that  when 
we  lately  spent  that  happy  day,  in  the  delightful 
garden  and  sweet  society  of  the  Moulin  Johj,  I 
stopped  a  little  in  one  of  our  walks,  and  staid  some 
time  behind  the  company.  We  had  been  shown 
numberless  skeletons  of  a  kind  of  little  fly,  called 
an  ephemera,  whose  successive  generations,  we 
were  told,  were  bred  and  expired  within  the  day. 
I  happened  to  see  a  living  company  of  them  on  a 
leaf,  who  appeared  to  be  engaged  in  conversation. 
You  know  I  understand  all  the  inferior  animal 
tongues;  my  too  great  application  to  the  study  of 
them  is  the  best  excuse  I  can  give  for  the  little  prog- 
ress I  have  made  in  your  charming  language.  I 
listened  through  curiosity  to  the  discourse  of  these 
little  creatures;  but  as  they,  in  their  national  vivaci- 
ty, spoke  three  or  four  together,  I  could  make  but 
little  of  their  conversation.  I  found,  however,  by 
some  broken  expressions  that  I  heard  now  and 
then,  they  were  disputing  warmly  on  the  merit  of 
H2 


178  FIIANKLIWS  WORKS. 

two  foreign  musicians,  one  a  cousin,  the  other  a 
moschdo :  in  which  dispute  they  spent  their  time, 
seeming  as  regardless  of  the  shortness  of  their  life  as 
if  they  had  been  sure  of  living  a  month.  Happy 
people,  thought  I;  you  live  certainly  under  a  wise, 
just,  and  mild  government,  since  you  have  no  pub- 
lic grievances  to  complain  of,  nor  any  other  subject 
of  contention  but  the  perfections  or  imperfections 
of  foreign  music.  I  turned  my  head  from  them  to 
an  old  gray-headed  one,  who  was  single  on  another 
leaf,  and  talking  to  himself.  Being  amused  with 
his  soliloquy,  I  put  it  down  in  writing,  in  hopes  it 
will  likewise  amuse  her  to  whom  I  am  so  much  in- 
debted for  the  most  pleasing  of  all  amusements,  her 
delicious  company  and  heavenly  harmony. 

"  It  was,"  says  he,  "  the  opinion  of  learned  philos- 
ophers of  our  race,  who  lived  and  flourished  long 
before  my  time,  that  this  vast  world,  the  Moulin 
Joly,  could  not  itself  subsist  more  than  eighteen 
hours :  and  I  think  there  was  some  foundation  for 
that  opinion ;  since,  by  the  apparent  motion  of  the 
great  luminary,  that  gives  life  to  all  nature,  and 
which  in  my  time  has  evidently  declined  consider- 
ably towards  the  ocean  at  the  end  of  the  earth,  it 
must  then  finish  its  course,  be  extinguished  in 
the  waters  that  surround  us,  and  leave  the  world  in 
cold  and  darkness,  necessarily  producing  universal 
death  and  destruction.  I  have  lived  seven  of  those 
hours;  a  great  age,  being  no  less  than  420    min 


fr'KANKLIN'S  WORKS.  179 

utes  of  time  !  How  very  few  of  us  continue  so 
long!  I  have  seen  generations  born,  flourish  and 
expire.  My  present  friends  are  children  and  grand- 
children of  the  friends  of  my'  youth,  who  are  now, 
alas,  no  more  !  And  I  must  soon  follow  them ;  for 
by  the  common  course  of  nature,  though  still  in 
health,  I  cannot  expect  to  live  above  seven  or  eight 
minutes  longer.  What  now  avails  all  my  toil  and 
labor,  in  amassing  the  honey  dew  on  this  leaf, 
which  I  cannot  live  to  enjoy  1  What  my  political 
struggles  I  have  been  engaged  in,  for  the  good  of 
my  compatriot  inhabitants  of  this  bush,  or  my  phil- 
osophical studies,  for  the  benefit  of  our  race  in  gen- 
eral ;  for  in  politics  (what  can  laws  do  without  mor- 
als?) our  present  race  of  ephemerae  will  in  a  course 
of  minutes  become  corrupt  like  those  of  other  and 
older  bushes,  and  consequently  as  wretched!  And 
in  philosophy  how  small  our  progress  !  Alas !  art 
is  long,  and  life  is  short !  My  friends  would  com- 
fort me  with  the  idea  of  a  name,  they  say,  I  shall 
leave  behind  me ;  and  they  tell  me  I  have  lived 
long  enough  to  nature  and  to  glory.  But  what  will 
fame  be  to  an  ephemera  who  no  longer  exists  1 
and  what  will  become  of  all  history  in  the  eighteenth 
hour,  when  the  world  itself,  even  the  whole  Moulin 
Joly,  shall  come  to  its  end,  and  be  buried  in  a 
universal  ruin  1" 

To  me,  after  all  my  eager  pursuits,  no  solid  pleas- 
ures now  remain,  but  the   reflection  of  a  Ions  life 


ISO  FRANKLIN'S  WORKS. 

spent  in  meaning  well,  the  sensible  conversation  of 
a  few  good  lady  ephemerae,  and  now  and  then  a 
kind  smile  and  a  tune  from  the  ever  amiable  Bril- 
liant 

B.  FRANKLIN. 


